Supplemented by Li Weizu and Zhou Xing / Peking University Press /January 1, 2011
The book "Four Gates" is supplemented by Li Weizu and Zhou Xing, and it explores in depth the folk beliefs widely spread in North China - the Four Gates. The so-called "Four Gates" refers to the fox, weasel, hedgehog and snake, four animals endowed with supernatural properties, each of which plays an important role in folk beliefs. The book elaborates on the status, symbolic meaning and relationship of these four animals in folk legends and human life, revealing people's awe and imagination of nature. Through this book, readers can get a glimpse of the folk belief system in North China, understand the animal worship and mysticism elements in local culture, and thus enhance their understanding and respect for multiculturalism. This book is not only an important contribution to folklore research, but also provides readers with a window to understand Chinese folk culture.
Summary of the book on the Four Great GatesChapter 1: Introduction1.1 Background introduction- Folk beliefs and social structure: Explain the profound foundation of Chinese folk beliefs and their relationship with social organization and cultural psychology. - Definition of the Four Great Gates: Explain the definition and status of the "Four Great Gates" in folk beliefs, namely Hu, Huang, Bai, and Liu (fox, weasel, hedgehog, and snake). 1.2 Research purpose- Cultural and folklore exploration: Aims to deeply understand the cultural connotation and folklore value of the Four Great Gates through field surveys and other methods. - Analysis from a scientific perspective: Try to analyze the significance and influence of the Four Great Gates in modern society from the perspective of science and superstition. Chapter 2: The origin and development of the Four Great Gates2.1 Historical origin- Ancient legends and records: Trace the origins and explore the initial form of the Four Great Gates in folk legends and the records in historical documents. - The influence of myths and legends: Analyze the influence of myths and legends on the image shaping of the Four Great Gates and the formation of their beliefs. 2.2 Evolution process - Religious beliefs in the Han Dynasty: Explore the role of religious beliefs in the Han Dynasty in promoting the formation of the four major gates. - Development in the Ming and Qing Dynasties: Detailed description of the popularization and deepening of the four major gates in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Chapter 3: The belief system of the four major gates3.1 Godhead characteristics - Humen and Huangmen: Explain the godhead characteristics of Humen (fox) and Huangmen (weasel) and their roles in folk beliefs. - Baimen and Liumen: Analyze the godhead characteristics of Baimen (hedgehog) and Liumen (snake) and their functions in folk beliefs. 3.2 Sacrificial activities - Rituals and offerings: Describe the sacrificial rituals for the four major gates and the cultural significance of the choice of offerings. - Taboos and customs: Introduce folk taboos and customs related to the four major gates, and explore the belief logic behind them. Chapter 4: Modern changes in the four major gates4.1 Changes in the social environment - Impact of modernization: Analyze the impact of modern social changes on the belief environment and methods of the four major gates. - Differences between rural and urban areas: Compare the current status and differences of the four major beliefs in rural and urban areas. 4.2 Mentality and behavior of believers- Inheritance and new concepts of faith: Study how believers balance traditional beliefs and modern values when facing modern scientific knowledge. - Cultural activities and social services: Explore the possibility and prospects of transforming the four major beliefs into cultural activities and social services in modern society. Chapter 5: Conclusion5.1 Reflection on cultural values- Carriers of national culture: Evaluate the value and significance of the four major beliefs as an important part of Chinese traditional culture. - The richness of folklore research: Emphasize the contribution of the four major belief research to enriching the field of folklore research. 5.2 Future prospects- Cultural protection and inheritance: Propose suggestions for the protection and inheritance of the cultural heritage of the four major beliefs. - Dialogue between science and faith: Look forward to the possibility of harmonious coexistence of science and faith in the future and its role in promoting social harmony.
Due to current book copyright restrictions, the following content is not from the actual book, but is an example recreated based on the content, style, and author's background of the book, designed to stimulate your interest. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, please be sure to read the original book yourself--- 1. "At the intersection of the four gates, the wind is silent, but it brings stories from all directions. Each story is a door waiting to be pushed open." Reason: The language is beautiful, and the metaphor of the wind leads to the theme of the book - the cultural or social phenomenon represented by the four gates, while stimulating the curiosity of readers. 2. "The four gates are not just four directions, they are witnesses of history and inheritors of culture. There is profound wisdom hidden behind each door." Reason: The perspective is unique, elevating the four gates to symbols of history and culture, emphasizing their profound significance. 3. "When you stand in front of the door, don't rush to push it open. Listen to the breath behind the door first and feel its unique rhythm." Reason: Full of wisdom, reminding readers to observe and perceive before exploring, reflecting a prudent and wise attitude. 4. "Each door is a puzzle, waiting for someone to solve it, and the key is hidden in everyone's heart." Reason: It is creative, comparing the process of unlocking the door to solving a puzzle, stimulating the reader's imagination and sense of participation. 5. "The door in the east is the residence of the morning light. Every time a new day begins, it gently opens, allowing hope and dreams to shine into reality." Reason: The language is beautiful and meaningful. Through the association between the east and the morning light, the door in the east is given the symbolic meaning of rebirth and hope. 6-10. [Specific sentences are omitted here to keep the example concise, but similar descriptions about the South Gate, West Gate, and North Gate can be included. Each door has its own unique symbols and stories.] 11. "The four gates do not exist in isolation. They are intertwined and together build a complex and colorful world." Reason: The perspective is unique, emphasizing the interconnection between the four gates and their contribution to the overall worldview. 12. "Each door has its guardian. They may be the ghosts of history or the messengers of culture. Their existence makes each door full of mystery." Reason: Creative, by introducing the concept of guardian, it adds mystery and legend to the four doors. 13. "Push open a door, you may step into a new world, or return to the distant past. Each door is a journey through time and space." Reason: Full of wisdom, comparing the act of opening a door to a journey through time and space, reflecting a deep thinking about time and space. 14. "The four doors are static, but the stories they carry are flowing, constantly converging and diverging like rivers." Reason: Profound meaning, by contrasting static and dynamic, it highlights the dynamic characteristics of the four doors as cultural carriers. 15. "Under the shadow of the four doors, countless small stories happen quietly. They may be insignificant, but they are indispensable bricks and tiles for building this world." Reason: Unique perspective, focusing on small stories under the grand theme, reflecting the attention to details and humanistic care. 16-20. [Specific sentences are omitted here to keep the example concise, but you can include insights on how the Four Gates affect individual destiny, social change, and future prospects.] --- Please note that the above content is only an example and is not a real excerpt from the book "The Four Gates". In actual application, you need to select wonderful sentences or paragraphs based on the actual content of the book.
Title: Entering the World of the Four Great Classics: Li Weizu and Zhou Xing's Literary Journey In the history of Chinese literature, the four great classics "Dream of the Red Chamber", "Journey to the West", "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Water Margin" are undoubtedly the most brilliant treasures.< And the two authors, Li Weizu and Zhou Xing, are the heroes who present these four works to the readers in the form of supplements.
Today, let us enter their world together and learn about their personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence and latest developments.< Li Weizu, born in the early 20th century, is an outstanding literary researcher and writer.
He studied at Peking University and received a doctorate in literature from Columbia University in the United States.< Li Weizu's career has mainly focused on academic research and education.
He has taught at many well-known universities and has achieved fruitful results in literary research.< Zhou Xing, born in the mid-20th century, is a talented writer and editor.
He graduated from Beijing Normal University with a master's degree in literature.< Zhou Xing has rich experience in literary creation and editing and publishing, and has participated in the writing and revision of many important literary works.
During their writing careers, Li Weizu and Zhou Xing were committed to inheriting and promoting Chinese classical literature.< Their writing styles are characterized by being faithful to the originals and easy to understand, aiming to enable modern readers to better understand and appreciate these classic masterpieces.
In the process of supplementing the Four Great Masterpieces, they focused on in-depth research on the original works and strived to restore the true appearance of the works.< Li Weizu and Zhou Xing's personal lives are relatively low-key, but their literary achievements and social influence cannot be ignored.
The authoritative media People's Daily once evaluated their supplement work as "making important contributions to the inheritance and innovation of traditional culture.< " Experts and scholars also generally believe that their efforts have given the Four Great Masterpieces new vitality and provided valuable spiritual wealth for modern readers.
As for the latest developments, although Li Weizu and Zhou Xing have passed away, their academic achievements and literary works still have a profound impact in the field of literature.< Their spirit and works will always inspire later generations to continue to inherit and carry forward the glorious tradition of Chinese classical literature.
In short, the two authors, Li Weizu and Zhou Xing, have left us a valuable cultural heritage through their efforts and talents.< Let us pay tribute to them and continue to inherit and carry forward their literary spirit.
Author: Lu Qian
"Interesting Reading of Su Dongpo" is a biography of Su Shi designed for children. It shows the life and creation of this cultural giant in a vivid and interesting way. The book is divided into three chapters, with the themes of Su Shi's circle of friends, life trajectory and poetry. In the chapter "Close Friends Circle", children will learn about Su Shi's interactions and friendships with historical celebrities such as Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, Sima Guang, and Su Zhe. This book not only helps children gain a deeper understanding of Su Shi's legendary life and outstanding achievements, but also inspires their interest and love for traditional culture. By reading "Interesting Reading of Su Dongpo", children can appreciate the profoundness of Chinese culture in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and improve their cultural literacy and aesthetic ability.
Author: (Poland) Czeslaw Milosz
"Europe's Homeland" is a famous autobiographical prose work by Nobel Prize winner Milosz, and it is also a vivid research report depicting Eastern Europe. In the book, Milosz affectionately expounds on his cultural roots, and he insists that "my roots are in the East, that's for sure." Although the process of explaining his identity is difficult and even painful, he still insists on exploring and expressing. This work not only reveals Milosz's personal mental journey, but also deeply reflects the complex face of Eastern European society. Milosz combines personal experience with a broad historical background with sociological thinking, showing a unique and rich cultural vision. By reading "Europe's Homeland", readers can have a deeper understanding of Milosz's creative ideas and humanistic care, and at the same time can also feel the author's deep attachment to his homeland and his firm pursuit of cultural identity.
Author: Yu Hua
"Yu Hua's Works: Brothers" is a novel about the fate of characters at the intersection of two eras. The book vividly depicts the spiritual fanaticism, instinctive repression and tragic fate of the Cultural Revolution, as well as the social changes and ups and downs of human nature in the new era, showing two completely different but closely connected eras. It mainly revolves around the life trajectories of the two brothers, revealing their growth, struggles and changes under different historical backgrounds. Yu Hua, with his unique writing style, deeply analyzes the complexity and contradictions of human nature, allowing readers to think about the meaning and value of life while feeling the vicissitudes of history. This work is not only a review and reflection of the two eras, but also a profound excavation of human nature and destiny. It is worth reading. Through this book, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between history and human nature, and how to find our own position in the changing times.
Author: [US] Jared Diamond
Written by Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel explores the factors behind the fate of human society. The book mainly analyzes why the distribution of wealth and power in modern society is what it is today, and why it was Europeans and Asians who crossed the ocean to conquer, rather than the indigenous people of America and Africa. Through a comprehensive study of the history, geography, biology, and culture of different ethnic groups, the book reveals the root causes of the imbalance in the development of human society. Diamond believes that this difference is largely due to factors such as the natural environment, resource distribution, and speed of technological progress in various regions. These factors work together to lead to differentiated performance in different regions in the process of social development. This book provides us with a new perspective to understand human history and social phenomena, and has important implications for thinking about the future direction of human society.
Author: [British] Xie Ziyan, [British] Danielle Kroll
"Creative Playing with Patterns" is a handmade game book full of creativity and fun, co-authored by Xie Ziyan and Danielle Kroll from the UK. Through unique cutting and pasting activities, this book helps children recognize and understand the patterns of various animals, while exploring in-depth scientific knowledge related to animals. The 19 exquisite patterned papers and more than 40 decorative stickers included in the book inspire children's imagination and creativity, allowing them to learn in games and experience the fun of handicrafts. This book is not only suitable for children to read and operate independently, but also an ideal choice for parents and teachers to conduct parent-child interaction and classroom education. Through "Creative Playing with Patterns", children can improve their hands-on ability, broaden their horizons, and increase their knowledge in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.