Change Of The"avunculate" In The New Chinese Rural Society

Folk etiquette and custom,as one of the constituent elements of a certain ethnic group or regional culture,reflects the specific phenomena of human social life.In the traditional Chinese rural society,there are many ritual cultures.These ritual cultures continue to this day,and after a long period of historical changes,they still maintain a tenacious vitality.Furthermore,we can not only understand the cultural psychology and identity of a certain ethnic group through these ritual cultures,but also understand their role in the maintenance of local social order and promote a deep understanding of folk etiquette.The “Avunculate” originated from the transitional stage of the matriarchal clan of the human primitive society to the patriarchal clan society.As a part of the matriarchal clan,the uncle,while taking the main part of the patriarchal power,also accepted the rights and obligations to protect the interests of the members of the mother family.In the traditional rural society,every time,a major event or an important event is required to obtain the opinions and suggestions of “the uncle”,if necessary,“the uncle” will be invited to participate or witness.In major events such as weddings and funerals,“the uncle” not only has a considerable voice but also enjoys extremely honorable courtesy.These important activities of the “nephew” family go smoothly precisely because of the support and participation of “the uncle”.Shegang town is located at the northern of Liuyang City,Hunan,bordering Gugang Town in the east,Longfu Town in the south,Changsha County in the west,and Pingjiang County in the north.It is located at the junction of Changsha,Liuyang and Pingjiang counties(cities).It is a major town in the northern part of Liuyang City,so it is called the “North Gate”.The territory of the Shegang town belongs to the Lianyun Mountain system of the Luoxiao Mountain Range.Most of them are low-lying hilly landforms.The whole terrain is high in east and west,low in the middle,and relatively closed in geography.It is represented by the traditional folk culture of the“Yimen chen” Hakka people of Zhouluo,which has been preserved for thousands of years.The territory with its unique natural landscape and deep heritage is full of charm.Up to now,the folk etiquette and custom culture in the villages of Shegang towns still contain a very strong custom of "respecting the uncle",and the most important etiquettes such as marriage ceremony,birth ceremony and funeral ceremony are most prominent.The etiquette and custom and of the Shegang town is rigorous and meticulous,and is also thoughtful.Different ceremonial activities have different ways of “respecting the uncle”,but they are unique.Even under the great impact of the new cultural trend on the traditional culture of the village,the people in the villages of Shegang town still maintain the recognition and respect for the traditional custome of “respecting the uncle” and continue to inherit in the practice of etiquette.This thesis selects the etiquette and culture of the villages in Shegang town of Liuyang City,Hunan as a case study,which is mainly to understands the social function of the “Avunculate” in a certain historical period and the living environment of traditional folk customs and culture under the changing times.Based on the field investigation and interview materials of the Shegang town and surrounding towns and villages,the thesis finds that the cultural atmosphere of the the “Avunculate” in the traditional customs and culture of the villages in Shegang towns is still very strong.After the founding of China,Shegang towns have experienced a series of political movements such as “land reform removement”,“agricultural collectivization movement”,“elimination of the four stereotypes” and “cultural revolution” and the huge impact of the “reform and opening” new cultural trend.At the moment,the “Avunculate” in Shegang town is still more dazzling than the surrounding villages and towns,which is prominent in the major etiquette and customs such as the rural weddings and funerals in the villages of Shegang town.The “Avunculate” in Shegang town is based on the marital relationship.The “ uncle” relies on the marriage relationship between the sisters of the family and another family man,and has participated in the family affairs of the “nephew” for a long time thereafter,who plays a unique role.The respect for the “uncle” in the traditional etiquette and custom culture in the villages of Shegang town,on the one hand,can provide a certain degree of protection for the family's married women and their children's rights in the marital family;on the other hand,it can establish a solid relationship of the uncle and the nephew by playing the “uncle” positive influence on the “nephew” growth and education process.It is important to maintain the stability of the in-law family and the stability of the family,and to protect the status of the married woman in the marital family;it is important to supervise the filial piety of the younger generation and other young people to protect the happiness and dignity of the elderly in their later years.