In Chinese rural legends, the saying "ten schools and nine graves" is widely spread. This sentence seems to reflect an indecipherable historical mystery: why were ancient schools often built on cemeteries?What is the reason behind this phenomenon?This article will look at the causes of this unique phenomenon from different perspectives and try to answer this historical mystery. 
In ancient China, the shortage of land resources was an indisputable fact. Due to the large population and the relatively limited amount of arable land, every inch of land is extremely precious. Against this backdrop, the choice of where to build a school is a matter that needs to be carefully considered. In most cases, it seems undesirable to build schools on arable land, as this not only destroys valuable arable land, but can also trigger conflicts of interest with local farmers.
In this context, some abandoned or remote land has become the first choice for the construction of schools. Cemeteries, as a special type of land, are often considered "terra nullius" and are therefore in many cases one of the options for school construction. In addition, since cemeteries are often not suitable for agricultural production, the establishment of schools on such plots does not create competition for land resources.
However, the coexistence of the school and the grave has not been without its challenges. Traditionally, cemeteries are considered unclean and may bring bad luck. Therefore, when people find out that the school is built on a cemetery, there is often a certain psychological resistance. This resistance is even stronger in some areas where superstition is prevalent. Even so, due to economic and resource constraints, this model has been implemented in many places.
It is worth noting that people's perceptions of this phenomenon have gradually changed with the development of the times. With the popularization of scientific thought, more and more people have begun to realize that the cemetery is not an "unclean place", but a witness to history. Schools are built on cemeteries, not only to make efficient use of land resources, but also to provide students with a special kind of history education. In fact, some of the ancient tombs found during the construction of some schools have even become valuable materials for academic research.
From ancient times to the present, the coexistence of schools and tombs is not only a helpless move, but also a manifestation of wisdom. It reflects the adaptation and adjustment of the ancients in the case of limited resources, and also shows the challenge and renewal of traditional concepts in the changing times. Looking back at history, we can learn from this phenomenon that adapting to the environment and rational use of resources are issues that need to be faced in every era. By delving deeper into this historical phenomenon, we can not only better understand the past, but also provide valuable insights for the present and the future.
In the phenomenon of the coexistence of schools and ancient tombs, we have to mention the unique cultural background of China. In traditional Chinese culture, the commemoration and respect of ancestors occupy an important position. The grave is not only a resting place for the deceased, but also a sacred place for future generations to commemorate their ancestors. So, to some extent, building schools in these places is actually a kind of respect and remembrance of history.
In addition, cemeteries are often located on the edge of villages or in remote areas, and such locations have their own unique advantages for schools. First of all, such a location ensures a quiet school environment, which is conducive to the Xi and life of studentsSecondly, being away from the village centre also means being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, helping to create an atmosphere conducive to education and reflection. In such an environment, students can not only receive intellectual education, but also cultivate a sense of reverence for life and history under the influence of nature and history.
With the process of modernization, people's choice of location for school construction has also changed. Modern urban planning and the allocation of educational resources are more scientific and reasonable, so that schools no longer need to rely on traditional land selection methods. However, this does not mean that we should forget the past. The coexistence of schools and graves in history is not only a coping strategy in the state of resource tension, but also a profound embodiment of the combination of culture and education.