SYDNEY, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian Chinese scholar Sheng Tong interprets the characteristics of China's "dragon" culture.
**Reporter Gu Shihong.
With the increase in the number of Chinese in Australia and the deepening of cultural exchanges between the two countries, especially the long-term implementation and effective implementation of Australia's multicultural policy, the local people's perception of the Chinese dragon has changed, and they have begun to consciously distinguish the difference between the Chinese dragon and the Western dragon. Dr. Sheng Tong, a researcher at the Australian Association for the Study of International Diaspora Literature and Art, said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Service in Sydney on the 13th.
Sheng Tong said that the concept of "dragon" in China has a long history, dating back to 8,000 years ago, and the breadth of cross-regional scope is even more amazing. From the nearly 20-meter-long stone pile unearthed at the Xinglongwa site in Chahai, Fuxin, Liaoning Province in 1994 to the dragon shape of more than 150 pebbles unearthed at the Dongmentou site in Zigui, Hubei Province in 1998, it shows the depth of Chinese ancestors' cognition of "dragon", and the dragon-patterned pottery pieces unearthed from the Chahai site in Fuxin highlight the main position of this cognition. However, at the same time, the prominent image of the "Sun Man" at the Dongmentou site in Hubei Province and the head of the "Hongshan Goddess" unearthed from the Hongshan Cultural Site in Niuheliang, Liaoning Province 6,500 years ago, and the remains of related temples and altars show that at least 8,000 to 6,500 years ago, the belief and worship of Chinese ancestors was the personality of the "god" rather than the "dragon", and the dragon was only the most important "guardian spirit animal" for their survival. This provides an extremely sober perspective on the nature of the image of the "dragon". Because of this, the "dragon" has always been a positive image of righteousness and protection, auspicious, mighty, and powerful.
Such objective facts tell us that it is dangerous to use Western totem theory to manipulate Chinese dragon culture, which directly lowers the height of ancient Chinese civilization - animal worship is definitely lower than the civilization height of personality 'god' worship. Sheng Tong analyzed that although the totem theory is widely used in Western anthropology, sociology and psychology, it has its own loopholes and limitations, and is not suitable for one-size-fits-all application to the measurement and investigation of ancient human civilization. Reducing the dimension of the Chinese "dragon" to the concept of totem is an excessive influence of Western culture on Chinese culture. In the new historical stage of the 21st century, which emphasizes the self-confidence of Chinese culture, it is very necessary to exclude such influences. Of course, it is not impossible to use the "dragon" as a cultural symbol to carry and spread Chinese civilization. In fact, our "dragon totem" statement today should be understood more as a figurative emotional expression of linguistic attributes.
Sheng Tong pointed out that the origin of the Western concept of dragon has always been inseparable from the image of "**", and driven by such inertial thinking, their impression of the Chinese "dragon" is bound to be seriously distorted due to misunderstanding, and even a very negative view of the Chinese "dragon". Therefore, it has a negative impact on the understanding and cognition of Chinese "dragon culture". The reason for this is inseparable from the fact that Chinese scholars have long been shallow and unconfident in their own culture, such as translating dragon into the Chinese word "dragon" without seeking to understand it. Similar issues have not received enough attention in Chinese academic circles, which is a very serious problem. However, with the establishment of China's image as a great power and the full expression of its own culture, this misunderstanding and misinterpretation has been corrected to a certain extent in recent years.
Fortunately, many people in Australia will use the Chinese 'dragon' to shine their zodiac, thinking that this zodiac sign is auspicious and beautiful. This is inseparable from the perseverance of the Chinese in Australia to spread Chinese culture. The Holy Child said.
Talking about the cultural connotation of the Chinese dragon in the spiritual world of the Chinese, Shengtong said that the Chinese always have a sense of wandering overseas. They are very sensitive when it comes to cultural affiliation. The symbol of "dragon" is like an imprint in the depths of their hearts, and has become a powerful support for their spiritual world, as if it is a kind of naming for their own bloodline. At the same time, the protective justice, auspiciousness, mightiness and powerful connotation of the "dragon" has always guarded their spiritual life and strengthened their will.
He believes that from a metaphorical point of view, Western society often regards the "dragon" as a symbol of China and even Chinese culture. Speaking of "dragon culture", it will always be accompanied by "long history", "ancient and mysterious", and "continuous inheritance", while ignoring the spiritual connotation of "dragon", it is inevitable to form the impression of "insufficient modernity".
But I believe that this impression will change with the vigorous promotion of Chinese culture in the international community. The holy boy said frankly.
In the eyes of the Holy Child, 2024 is the second year of the dragon after entering the 21st century. Today, as China's status in the international community rises, so does the global influence of Chinese culture. This reality will first lead the West to reorient itself towards China's "dragon culture". As a result, the essence and essence of China's "dragon culture" will inevitably gain a deeper understanding and cognition, which in turn will strengthen the West's in-depth understanding of Chinese civilization. This is undoubtedly of a very positive significance in dispelling their long-standing misunderstanding of the accumulation of Eastern civilization. (ENDS).