Obscenity, as a sacrificial activity that is not recognized by national orthodoxy, has always been controversial and restrictive. In successive dynasties in China, obscenity was often seen as a challenge to the country's social order, and was therefore frequently banned. This article will discuss the historical reasons behind obscenity, its social impact, and the motives and effects of the ban.
First, we need to clarify the concept of obscenity. Obscenity refers to the practice of sacrificing to deities that are not recognized by the state orthodoxy, whether they are local, folklore, or pagan beliefs. Such sacrifices are often not sanctioned by orthodox religion or state rulers, and may involve pagan beliefs, superstitions, or personal private worship.
Secondly, let's talk about why all dynasties have banned obscenity. One obvious reason is that obscenity can be a threat to state rule. In ancient societies, the legitimacy of political power was often closely linked to religion, and the state needed to consolidate its dominance through an orthodox religious system. Sacrifices to unorthodox deities can undermine the legitimacy of the state's rule and are therefore seen as a source of political instability.
In addition, obscenity may also bring chaos to the social order. In ancient societies, people's behavior was often subject to the system of etiquette, and obscenity may have broken this order. For example, some obscene activities may involve indulgence, carnival and even criminal acts, which can adversely affect public order. Therefore, the prohibition of obscenity can also be seen as a measure to maintain social stability and order.
In addition, the religious perspective is also one of the considerations for the prohibition of obscenity. In traditional Chinese culture, orthodox religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have strict norms and teachings for personal self-cultivation, respect for ancestors, and the practice of filial piety. Obscenity is often at odds with these norms and can lead to the erosion of traditional values, and is therefore seen as a challenge to orthodox religion.
Throughout history, various dynasties have strictly forbidden obscenity. For example, after the Qin Dynasty unified the Six Kingdoms, Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of books and Confucianism, and severely cracked down on heretical beliefs, including some obscene activities. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, heretical religions such as Taoism were outlawed on a large scale in order to consolidate the dominance of Confucianism. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Buddhism flourished, but it also suffered some suppression, including the ban on obscene activities. During the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties, the control of religious activities was stricter, and obscenity was no exception.
However, despite the prohibition of obscenity in successive dynasties, this prohibition does not necessarily completely eliminate the existence of obscenity. Because obscenity is often local, folk and personal, they are often carried out in hidden corners and are difficult to be completely avoided. Especially in some remote areas or folklore, obscenity still has its soil. Therefore, the prohibition of obscenity often requires long-term and continuous supervision and crackdown.
To sum up, the motives for prohibiting obscenity in all dynasties mainly include maintaining the stability of state power, maintaining social order, and protecting orthodox religion and traditional values. However, obscenity, as a folk belief and cultural phenomenon, is often difficult to complete and requires long-term management and supervision. In the future, we need to seek more effective management and governance methods on the premise of respecting folk beliefs and cultural diversity, so as to maintain social stability and harmony.