Interpretation of the difference between sacrifice and sacrifice, clear cultural meaning, to avoid the misuse of traditional words
Difference Between Sacrifice and Mourning Ritual: Sacrifice is a religious activity, whereas a mourning ritual is a mourning ritual. Sacrifices are dedicated to the heavens, earth, and ancestors, while memorial ceremonies are dedicated to the deceased. The purpose of the sacrifice is to realize the belief that man, god, and heaven coexist in harmony, while the purpose of commemoration is to pay tribute to the deceased.
Sacrifice and sacrifice are two important rituals that express different feelings and beliefs about life and death, nature, and the gods. These two ceremonies are similar on the surface, but they are in fact very different, reflecting the unique understanding of life and death and the order of the universe in Chinese civilization. An in-depth analysis of the nature, object, and purpose of sacrifice and ritual helps us better understand the unique place of these two rituals in cultural traditions.
The solemnity and breadth of the sacrifice.
As a religious activity, solemnity and the widespread use of rituals have become its hallmark. The objects of the ritual include various elements such as heaven and earth, gods, ancestors, etc. This ritual often involves various forms of worship of heaven and earth through the two major branches of ritual, namely sacrifice.
The ritual of sacrifice is centered on the heavens, and the worship expresses respect for the heavens;The ritual is centered on the earth and expresses respect for nature. In addition, the sacrifice can also extend to the worship of natural elements such as mountains, rivers, wind and rain, forming a solemn and complex ritual system.
This solemnity is not only reflected in the reverence for the object of sacrifice, but also in the seriousness and solemnity of the sacrifice process. People often look solemn and smile during the sacrifice, and the whole ceremony is full of solemn and festive atmosphere. This is closely related to the purpose of the sacrifice, which is to realize the belief in the harmonious coexistence of man, god, heaven and earth through the communication between man and God, heaven and earth as perceived by the heart.
The peculiarities of the sacrificial object.
One of the important differences between ritual and sacrifice is the peculiarity of the object of sacrifice. In sacrificial rituals, the deities are an important component. From the Taoist Haotian God, the Eastern Prince, the Western Queen Mother to the folk gods, there are corresponding sacrificial rituals. In the past, these gods were not objects of casual worship by ordinary people, but sacrifices in which only the Son of Heaven was qualified to participate.
This adds a layer of sacredness and greatness to the sacrifice, reflecting the special status of the Son of Heaven in the cosmic order. In contrast, on a given day, ordinary people would sacrifice to some gods that were closely related to their lives, such as the Lord of the Stove, the Lord of the Land, etc. These deities are closely related to people's daily lives, and people worship these deities to pray for peace, good harvests, and family happiness.
Remembrance: A ritual of remembrance and mourning.
Unlike a sacrifice, a memorial service is a mourning ritual that mainly expresses remembrance, mourning, and respect for the deceased. The subject of the ritual is mostly a deceased relative, ancestor, or other individual. The scope of the memorial service was wide and could be attended by both princes and nobles and ordinary people. Therefore, it is a cultural ritual that is close to people's hearts and has been passed down for a long time.
Sacrifices are usually associated with funerals and are embodied in the final stages of the funeral. At the funeral of a well-known person, the sacrifice is usually performed at the beginning of the funeral, while the funeral is performed at the end of the funeral to signal the end. The sacrifice is to hope that the deceased will obtain the final happiness as soon as possible, while the funeral ceremony is more used to express the nostalgia and hope of the living for the deceased.
Cultural symbols of rituals and sacrifices.
The cultural symbolism of both can also be seen in the classification of rituals and sacrifices. Sacrifice embodies people's respect for the universe and the gods, and is a spiritual belief activity. This religion was recognized in Confucianism and became a symbol of civilization or not. The sacrifice is more about the thoughts and condolences of the deceased, and conveys the concern and thoughts of the deceased in the form of sacrifices.
The sacrificial cultural tradition also reflects the deep reflection of Chinese culture on the concept of life and death. The sacrifice emphasizes the belief in infinite life and the harmony of the universe, connecting man with nature, man and God, and expressing respect for the laws of the universe. Sacrifices, on the other hand, pay more attention to personal emotional experience, the transience of life, and the longing for the deceased.
Whew"with"Sacrifice"They are two important rituals of Chinese civilization, which are unique in form, object and purpose. The sacrifice shows the solemnity and vastness of Chinese civilization, with respect for the cosmic order and gods as a symbol of civilization, while commemoration focuses more on the memory of the deceased. The coexistence of the two is a part of the rich and colorful Chinese cultural tradition, and it is also an important cultural function in people's daily life.