The origin of Confucianism in classical Chinese literati gardens

Mondo Culture Updated on 2024-01-30

The classical Chinese literati garden is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, which embodies the aesthetic taste, philosophical thoughts and life attitudes of the ancient literati. Among them, the origin of "Confucianism" has a profound influence on the classical Chinese literati garden.

1. Confucianism and garden design.

Confucianism is the mainstream of traditional Chinese culture, which emphasizes moral norms such as "benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, and faith", as well as the way of "moderation". In classical Chinese literati garden design, the influence of Confucianism was ubiquitous.

First of all, Confucianism emphasizes the "unity of heaven and man", that is, the harmony and unity of man and nature. This idea is fully embodied in the classical Chinese literati garden design. The architecture, rocks, water features and other elements in the garden are integrated with the natural environment to create a peaceful, harmonious and natural atmosphere.

Second, Confucianism emphasizes "etiquette," that is, social order and norms. In the classical Chinese literati garden design, this spirit of "etiquette" is also reflected. The layout, architectural style, and decorative details in the garden all follow certain rules and systems, reflecting a rigorous and orderly aesthetic pursuit.

2. Confucianism and the artistic conception of gardens.

Classical Chinese literati gardens not only pay attention to the design of material forms, but also pay more attention to the creation of artistic conception. Under the influence of Confucianism, the artistic conception of the garden often presents a noble, elegant and fresh atmosphere.

First of all, Confucianism emphasizes the "gentleman's style", that is, the noble character and moral cultivation of the literati. In classical Chinese literati gardens, this "gentleman's style" is often expressed through the artistic conception of the garden. For example, the elements of the garden, such as rocks, water features, and plants, are endowed with specific symbolic meanings, such as "high mountains look up", "flowing water does not rot", and "pines and cypresses are evergreen", all of which reflect the noble qualities and moral cultivation of the literati.

Second, Confucianism emphasizes the "beauty of neutrality", that is, the beauty of harmony. In classical Chinese literati gardens, this "beauty of neutrality" is also fully reflected. The architecture, rocks, water features and other elements in the garden are skillfully combined to form a harmonious and unified overall effect. This harmonious beauty is not only reflected in the material form, but also in the spiritual connotation, such as the poetry and humanistic spirit in the garden.

3. Confucianism and garden education.

In classical Chinese literati gardens, not only the design of material forms and the creation of artistic conception are emphasized, but also the education and enlightenment of people. Confucianism emphasizes "educating people's hearts", that is, improving people's moral character and cultural literacy through education. In classical Chinese literati gardens, this educational function was also fully embodied.

First of all, the architecture, rocks, water features and other elements in the garden are endowed with specific cultural connotations and educational significance. For example, the stone carvings, inscriptions, inscriptions, etc. in the garden all contain rich cultural knowledge and life philosophy, which plays a certain role in education and enlightenment for visitors.

Secondly, the classical Chinese literati garden also paid attention to the guidance of people's emotions and psychology. Walking in the garden, people can feel the beauty of nature and the charm of humanity, thus producing a feeling of pleasure, tranquility and harmony. This feeling plays a positive role in guiding people's emotions and psychology, and helps to improve people's aesthetic ability and cultural literacy.

In short, the origin of "Confucianism" has a profound influence on classical Chinese literati gardens. Confucianism not only influenced the design and artistic conception of the garden, but also affected the educational function and cultural connotation of the garden. Walking in the classical Chinese literati garden, people can feel a noble, elegant, fresh atmosphere and emotional experience, so as to get a kind of spiritual satisfaction and sublimation.

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