Chinese Culture

Around 1871, sociologists, anthropologists, and scientists create different classifications of cultures, which eventually manifested themselves in a classical structure, in accordance with which 164 phenomena in the history of mankind fall under the macroscopic definition of culture. This is the unification of material and spiritual treasures, the heritage of mankind, created in the process of its historical and social development. It is especially closely connected with spiritual aspects, such as literature, painting, science, philosophy.

Chinese culture - Zhonghua wenhua, also called Huasya wenhua (Huasya - the ancient name of the country) is a unique phenomenon that denotes a set of specific aspects for China: the way of thinking, ideas, ideas, and their embodiment in everyday life, politics, art, literature, painting , Music, martial arts, cuisine.

Three very important features characterize it - antiquity, continuity, tolerance.

Indeed, it is the oldest in the history of mankind, existing more than 5000 years. Chinese culture crystallized from three sources: the civilization of the Yellow River, the civilization of the Great River (Yangtze), the northern steppe culture.

It remains unchanged from its very inception. In the history of the world, many great civilizations, glorified by rich cultures, but not preserved until our times, unlike China.

All foreign influences harmoniously assimilated in Chinese culture. In the history of the Celestial Empire, there have never been large-scale wars on religious grounds. Three religions (Buddhism, Islam, Christianity) spread freely throughout the territory of the empire.

The culture of this country is classified into the following categories: elite, ancient, modern and popular.

Elite Chinese culture - a kind of thematic. It is associated with outstanding personalities in the history of the country, which contributed much to its development.

The ancient culture of China, which is the most important segment of Chinese culture as a whole, is classified according to periods (or dynasties), beginning with the reign of the three dynasties of Xia-Shang-Zhou and until 1840 (the beginning of the first opium war). Also in line with the typical features: Chinese traditions, calligraphy, painting, music and opera, education, philosophy, economics, science, politics and so on.

From generation to generation, researchers agree that the current economic power of the country directly depends on the fact that China in ancient times was able to create and maintain a great culture through which a multi-ethnic society exists in stability and harmony.

In China, 56 nationalities live, each of them has its own culture, consecrated by centuries,. Folk music, dances, rituals and beliefs, myths and legends, painting and architecture.

Ancient and modern culture chronologically shares the beginning of the opium war between the British Empire and China under the rule of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). The milestone in the classification is correlated with the beginning of the modern history of the country, when for the first time there was an interference in its internal affairs by foreign states.

Modern Chinese culture is a "brainchild of mixed blood", a joint "education" of local and Western traditions.

What is the quintessence of Chinese culture?

1. First of all, this is Confucian ethics, which is regarded as the highest manifestation of Chinese culture. Widespread use in Confucian and post-Confucian philosophy has received the classic definition of "Lee."

"Li," which does not cover a particular object, but rather an abstract idea, refers to any of the secular social functions of everyday life, which is akin to Western thinking "culture." These are social customs, rituals, traditions, etiquette or customs. It is important to note that although the word "li" is translated as "ritual," it has a specialized meaning in Confucianism (as opposed to conventional religious meanings). In Confucianism, actions in everyday life are considered rituals. They do not need to be systematized, but it's a normal order, a monotonous, mechanically performed work, something people consciously or unconsciously engage in during their normal lives. Rituals ("Li") organize a healthy society, which is one of the main purposes of Confucianism.

2. Basic concepts about the nature of people, formulated by Mencius, who maintained that kindness is an innate quality of a person who only needs the positive influence of society.

3. Teaching about the universal love of Mo-tzu.

4. Tao and Te are the two first principles of the Lao Tzu philosophy.

5. Views on the forms of the rule of Han Fei.

All these theories developed on the basis of conclusions about the exclusivity of man and nature. The spiritual culture of China comes from various philosophical and ideological traditions. Shamanism had a great influence on religious life under the first dynasties. His ideas influenced later cultural manifestations, such as the cult of ancestors and natural philosophy.