Comparative analysis of the key Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals.doc

毕业论文（设计）B.A. Thesis Comparative Analysis of the Key Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals B.A. Candidate: Zhou LitingAdvisor: Zheng Sanliang Foreign Language DepartmentJiaying UniversityMay 27, 2008viAcknowledgementsI should like to thank the following people for their invaluable assistance in the writing of this dissertation.In the completion of this dissertation, I am extremely grateful to my supervisor, Ms Zheng Sanliang, for her instruction and enlightenment concerning intercultural communication and other fields, valuable suggestions during the period in which this dissertation was being written, generosity in spending her precious time revising this dissertation meticulously, and her encouragement as well.Thanks should also be extended to my lovely classmates and roommates, without whose help and encouragement the completion of the dissertation would have been impossible.AbstractSince festival culture is the precious cultural heritage of a nation，the traditional festivals of that nation are marked with its distinct national features and rich presentation forms. By comparison between the key Chinese and Western traditional festivals, it can be seen that Chinese and western festivals serve as an intriguing window into their cultural differences. The traditional practices find expressions in the origins and customs of every national festival, which in turn reflect the morality of the whole nation and its people. What traditional festivals of different nations differ goes hand in hand with the existing pattern and ways of living of these nations, which is clearly shown in the following. Firstly, different religious beliefs bring about different religious ideas. The westerners believe in only one God who they believe helps them in every aspect while Chinese people worship one particular immortal, out of many immortals, which can do them good. Besides, Chinese people advocate “harmony between human being and nature” and regard the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the gods as important as that to their ancestors, which is contrary to the westerners who only bear the Gods blessings in mind.Secondly, different cultures lead to different functions of traditional festivals. Western traditional culture is mainly Christian culture while Chinese culture is a culture of which the Confucian school takes up much proportion while other various schools of thought some. The main function of Chinese traditional festivals is not in giving people a chance to let loose but in inheriting the ethical morality, thus lacking what the public needs for recreation. By contrast, there are much more recreation than ethical teachings in some western ones, like carnivals, thereby granting more chances of showing individuality and indulging in amusement. Thirdly, different ways of expressing feelings give birth to different modes of celebrating festivals. The westerners express their feelings bluntly and fervently while Chinese people do exquisitely and implicitly. Therefore, the westerners tend to carouse together with many people, even with the strangers，yet Chinese people center their festival celebrations on the activities of the family. Though differences of traditional festivals are formed for the above reasons, there are still similar points among different cultures, like origins and festival contents. In other words, they share some of the same features. Key Words: traditional festivals culture differences similarities摘 要节日文化是一个国家宝贵的文化遗产，因此传统节日具有鲜明的民族特色和丰富多彩的表现形式。通过对中西重大节日的对比，可以发现中西方节日是一扇窥视文化差异的迷人窗户。传统实践在每个民族节日的历史渊源及风俗中得到体现，而这也反映了该民族及其子孙后代的道德观。以下几点清楚地表明了不同民族传统节庆之差异，都与该民族的生存形态及生活方式的差异密切相关。第一，不同宗教信仰带来不同的宗教观念。西方人只信奉，在他们看来，全能的上帝。而中国人认为世上有众神，在众神中信奉“为我所用”的神灵。此外，中国人信奉“天人合一”，同等重视祭祖和祭神，这与西方人只记挂上帝的恩赐是不同的。第二，不同文化产生传统节日的不同作用。西方主要是基督教文化，中国传统文化的历史渊源是以儒家为主、兼有诸子百家各学派的文化。中国传统节日的主要功能在于伦理道德的传承而不是给人们以欢娱休闲的机会，缺少世俗所需要的娱乐色彩。相反，西方一些节日，如狂欢节，伦理色彩弱，娱乐的色彩要强得多，因此更能给现代人以充分张扬个性和享受欢娱的机会。第三，不同的情感表达方式导致不同的节日欢庆方式。西方人热情奔放地宣泄自身情感而中国人细腻含蓄地表达感情。比如庆祝节日，西方注重众人同欢，即使是陌生人，而中国注重家庭内部活动。尽管不同文化的传统节日因上述原因而存在差异，但它们之间也存在相同点，比如起源及节日内容。关键词：传统节日 文化 不同点 相同点ContentsAcknowledgementsiAbstract(English).iiAbstract(Chinese).iv1. Introduction.12. Typical Chinese traditional festivals.22.1 Spring Festival.22.1.1 Origin of Spring Festival.22.1.2 Customs. .32.1.2.1 Thorough cleaning.32.1.2.2 Family celebration.32.1.2.3 Lucky money.42.2 Clear Brightness Festival.42.2.1 Legend of Clear Brightness Festival.42.2.2 Customs52.2.2.1 Sweeping the tombs.52.2.2.2 Going out for hiking.52.2.2.3 Flying kites.62.3 Double Seventh Festival.62.3.1 Legend of Double Seventh Festival.62.3.2 History of Double Seventh Festival.72.3.3 Customs and traditions.82.3.3.1 Begging for deftness and love.82.3.3.2 Holding competition.83. Typical western traditional festivals83.1 Valentines Day.9 3.1.1 Legend of Valentines Day.9 3.1.2 Traditions and customs.10 3.1.2.1 Looking for dates. 10 3.1.2.2 Exchanging notes and gifts.10 3.1.2.3 Dining out.113.2 Halloween.113.2.1 Origin of Halloween.12 3.2.2 Customs of Halloween.12 3.2.2.1 Making jack-o-lantern.12 3.2.2.2 Tricking or treating.13 3.2.2.3 Attending costume parties.133.3 Christmas.143.3.1 Origin of Christmas.14 3.3.2 A brief history of Christmas.14 3.3.3 Customs.15 3.3.3.1 Celebrating Christmas Eve.15 3.3.3.2 Making decorations.16 3.3.3.3 Singing carols.164. Analysis of Chinese and western traditional festivals.174.1 Differences.17 4.1.1 Religious belief.17 4.1.2 Ethical culture.18 4.1.3 Ways of expressing feelings.204.2 Similarities.22 4.2.1 Origins.224.2.2 Festival contents.235. Conclusion.24References26Comparative Analysis of the Key Chinese and Western Traditional Festivals1. IntroductionLocal customs is a charming world, where one can learn the history and culture of the country he/she is staying more profoundly. Local customs find full expressions in the traditional festivals.Take Chinese traditional festivals for example. Characterized by diverse styles and themes, Chinese traditional festivals are an important part of Chinese history and culture, both ancient and modern. A close relationship exists between many of the traditional festivals and chronology, mathematics, the Chinese calendar and the twenty-four solar terms. Many of the customs connected with the traditional festivals have links with religious devotions, superstitions and myths. Almost every festival has its own unique origins and customs which reflect the traditional practices and morality of the whole Chinese nation and its people. And it is true with Western traditional festivals.Chinese and western festivals are a window into their different cultures, including their tradition, their belief and their value. Since culture is so much reflected in the festivals, it is quite meaningful to probe into the origins and ways of celebration, etc, of the different festivals between China and the western countries so as to promote the cross-cultural communication.2. Typical Chinese traditional festivals2.1 Spring FestivalSocially, Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, and for visiting friends and relatives. This holiday, more than any other Chinese holiday, stresses the importance of family ties. The Chinese New Years Eve dinner gathering is among the most important family occasions of the year. 2.1.1 Origin of Spring FestivalIts origin is too old to be traced. Several explanations are hanging around. All agree, however, that the word Nian, which in modern Chinese solely means year, was originally the name of a monster beast that started to prey on people the night before the beginning of a new year. One legend goes that the beast Nian had a very big mouth that would swallow a great many people with one bite. People were very scared. One day, an old man came to their rescue, offering to subdue Nian. He succeeded in persuading Nian to swallow the beasts of prey on earth which were truly its worthy opponents instead of feeble people to prove its capability. So, it did swallow many of the beasts of prey on earth that also harassed people and their domestic animals from time to time. After that, the old man disappeared riding the beast Nian. He turned out to be an immortal god. Now that Nian is gone and other beasts of prey are also scared into forests, people begin to enjoy their peaceful life. Before the old man left, he had told people to put up red paper decorations on their windows and doors at each years end to scare away Nian in case it sneaked back again, because red is the color the beast feared most. 2.1.2 Customs2.1.2.1 Thorough cleaningPreparations for the Chinese New Year in old China started well in advance of the New Years Day. The 20th of the Twelfth Moon was set aside for the annual housecleaning, or the sweeping of the grounds. Every corner of the house must be swept and cleaned in preparation for the New Year. Sweeping out the old means welcoming in the new and old business from the past year is cleared up.Spring couplets, written in black ink on large vertical scrolls of red paper, were put on the walls or on the sides of the gate-ways. These couplets, short poems written in Classical Chinese, were expressions of good wishes for the family in the coming year. 2.1.2.2 Family celebrationOn the last few days of the old year, everyone is busy either in preparing food for the next two days, or in going to the barbers and getting tidied up for the New Years Day. Tradition stipulates that all food be prepared before the New Years Day, and that all sharp instruments, such as knives and scissors, could be put away to avoid cutting the luck of the New Year. The New Years Eve and New Years Day celebrations were strictly family affairs. All members of the family would gather for the important family meal on the evening of the New Years Eve. Even if a family member could not attend, an empty seat would be kept to symbolize that persons presence at the banquet. At midnight following the banquet, the younger members of the family would bow and pay their respects to their parents and elders. 2.1.2.3 Lucky money (Also called Hong-Bao) Money is placed in these envelopes and given to children and young adults at New Years time. Presents are also often exchanged between families. Children who get the lucky money is wished for a progress on school work and physical body and the old who is given by the young is wished for a good health and a ripe old age.2.2 Clear Brightness FestivalClear Brightness, meaning clear and bright, is the day for mourning the dead. It falls on early April every year. It corresponds with the onset of warmer weather, the start of spring plowing, and of family outings. 2.2.1 Legend of Clear Brightness FestivalBefore we talk about Clear Brightness Festival, we must say something about another ancient event, Hanshi, which always comes one day before Clear Brightness Festival.Hanshi literally means cold food. It is said that in the seventh century BC during the Spring and Autumn Period, a future king, Chonger, fled from his kingdom because of an conspiracy to kill him and take his throne. For nineteen long years, Chonger and his entourage of loyal officials and servants wandered homeless, no stringent to cold and hunger. One day, Chonger was actually starving and close to death. One of his most faithful followers, Jie Zitui, cut a slice of muscle from his own leg and served it to his master, thereby saving his life. Finally Chonger managed to take the throne that was rightfully his. Chonger decided to reward the officials who had stayed with him through his years of wandering. But he forgot about Jie Zitui who had sacrificed the flesh of his leg. Jie Zitui was heartbroken and enclosed himself in a hill. Later Chonger remembered Jie Zituis sacrifice and wanted to reuse him. But Zitui refused to come back. So Chonger took others advice to set fire to the hill in order to force Zitui out of the hill. However, they only found the body of Zitui when the hill was burned out. Chonger was deeply saddened by this tragedy. He ordered that a temple be built in memory of his most loyal follower and that no fires be allowed on the anniversary of Jie Zituis death. So people had to eat their cold food on that day, or the day of Hanshi. In addition, people began to visit Jie Zituis tomb and pay their respects to his memory.It was not until the Qing Dynasty about 300 years ago that the practice of Hanshi or eating cold food was replaced by that of Clear Brightness festival, which had now become an important occasion for people to offer sacrifices to their ancestors.2.2.2 Customs2.2.2.1 Sweeping the tombs On each Clear Brightness Festival, all cemeteries are crowded with people who came to sweep tombs and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to the cemeteries becomes extremely jammed. The customs have been greatly simplified today. After slightly sweeping the tombs, people offer food, flowers and favorites of the dead, then burn incense and paper money and bow before the memorial tablet. 2.2.2.2 Going out for hikingIn contrast to the sadness of the tomb sweepers, people also enjoy hope of Spring on this day. Clear Brightness Festival is not just a day of remembrance; it is also a day to celebrate the coming of spring, often by going out for a picnic. With the coming of spring, nature wakes up, dressing the world in green. All is new, clean and fresh. Since ancient times, people have followed the custom of Spring outings. At this time tourists are everywhere. 2.2.2.3 Flying kitesPeople love to fly kites during the Clear Brightness Festival. Kite flying is actually not limited to the Clear Brightness Festival. Its uniqueness lies in that people fly kites not during the day, but also at night. A string of little lanterns tied onto the kite or the thread look like shining stars, and therefore, are called immortals lanterns. In the Qing Dynasty, people would fly their kites as high as possible, then let go of the string. Off went the kite, taking with it bad luck and illness. Conversely, to pick up a kite lost or released by someone else could bring bad luck.2.3 Double Seventh FestivalThe Double Seventh Festival, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, is a traditional festival full of romance. It often goes into August in the Gregorian calendar. It is nicknamed as “Chinese Valentines Day”.2.3.1 Legend of Double Seventh FestivalLong, long ago, there was an honest and kind-hearted fellow named Niu Lang (Cowhand) who lived by himself herding cattle and farming. One day, a fairy from heaven Zhi Nu (Weaver Maid) fell in love with him and came down secretly to earth and married him. The cowhand farmed in the field and the Weaver Maid wove at home. They lived a happy life and gave birth to a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, the God of Heaven soon found out the fact and ordered the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens to bring the Weaver Maid back. With the help of celestial cattle, the Cowhand flew to heaven with his son and daughter. At the time when he was about to catch up with his wife, the Queen Mother took off one of her gold hairpins and made a stroke. One billowy river appeared in front of the Cowhand. The Cowhand and Weaver Maid were separated on the two banks forever and could only feel their tears. Their loyalty to love touched magpies, so tens of thousands of magpies came to build a bridge for the Cowhand and Weaver Maid to meet each other. The Queen Mother was eventually moved and allowed them to meet each year on the 7th of the 7th lunar month. Hence their meeting date has been called Qi Xi (Double Seventh). 2.3.2 History of Double Seventh FestivalScholars have shown the Double Seventh Festival originated from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD220). Historical documents from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD371-420) mention the festival, while records from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) depict the grand evening banquet of Emperor Taizong and his concubines. By the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasties, special articles for the Qi Xi were seen being sold on markets in the capital. The bustling markets demonstrated the significance of the festival. Today some traditional customs are still observed in rural areas of China, but have been weakened or diluted in urban cities. However,