A Study Of Festivals On The Liao Dynasty

Festivals are excellent windows to observe the landscape of the times,mapping political changes,reflecting social customs and showing humanities and geography.The Liao dynasty had been the masters of northern China for more than two hundred years,and its culture had an important influence on the cultural landscape of the north,thus fostering the Liao dynasty festivals,which combined the culture of the Central Plains cultivation,the culture of the nomads in the north,and the culture of shamanism and Buddhism.The first chapter of this paper classifies the Liao dynasty festivals on the basis of their origin and characteristics.Due to the multi-ethnic nature of the Liao dynasty,Liao dynasty festivals showed strong inclusiveness and pluralism,including traditional Chinese festivals,Khitan native festivals and religious festivals,etc.Among them,Liao dynasty festivals made important contributions to the establishment and stability of the Liao dynasty tribute system,and the festivals of congratulation and engagement became a platform for friendly exchanges between Liao and neighboring countries such as Northern Song,Xia and Goryeo,which effectively enhanced the influence of the Liao dynasty as a great power and shaped its orthodox image.It effectively enhanced the influence of Liao Dynasty as a great power and shaped its orthodox image.The original purpose of this paper is to further understand the political changes and social landscape of the Liao dynasty by examining the origin,development and influence of the Liao dynasty festivals,but due to the limitation of historical data,more attention is paid to the regulations of the ethnic festival system and the festive activities led by the rulers.Due to the strong centripetal force and attraction of the activities of the ruling group at the upper level,we can also observe the lifestyle and outlook of Liao dynasty society and feel the social and spiritual life of Liao dynasty society at the time of festivals.The second chapter of this paper sorts outs and organizes the Liao dynasty festivals as a whole.Due to the special dualistic political pattern of the Liao dynasty,the festivals showed obvious regional differences.The Han Chinese families in the Yan-Yun region mainly maintained many Chinese customs with traditional Chinese festivals,while the Khitan also modified a large number of Chinese festivals by adding Khitan customs in addition to their own ethnic festivals.There is also a fusion and mutual appreciation between Chinese and Qidan festivals and customs,achieving the effect that the Chinese and the Qidans enjoy the same music together,demonstrating the outstanding cultural creativity of the Chinese people.The third chapter of this paper takes a microscopic view and examines the case of the "Stealing" festival in the Liao Dynasty,which "subverted" the daily order.Chapter 4 of this paper examines the influence of the dualistic political system of the Liao dynasty on festivals from the macro perspective of both the state and the ethnic group.Whether it was the introduction of the Chinese festival to highlight the emperor’s authority when the state was stabilizing or the return of Khitan rituals during the Mu Zong period,the changes of festivals were closely linked to the development of the state.The development of festivals followed the dual path of ritual and secularism,introducing Chinese pilgrimage rituals with emphasis on political order,but also absorbing interesting folklore to entertain the people.During the Liao dynasty,festivals were a carrier to convey warmth and express feelings.The rulers took advantage of these festivals to regain the hearts of the people by offering rice and monks and amnesty,and the common people enjoyed reunion with their families.In conclusion,the development of Liao dynasty festivals reflects the changes of Liao dynasty state system construction and reveals the process of cultural fusion.