Read or view the following articles/videos/photos about the dynasties or philosophies you will be covering in your posters. Then, choose one of them (it doesn't have to be about your group's topic) and write a brief paragraph reflection about how these concepts/moments in history are still relevant to life in China or the world today.
This comment/reflection is due Monday @ 10 p.m.
Shang Dynasty
Zhou Dynasty
Confucianism
Daoism
Qin Dynasty
Han Dynasty
18 comments:
The article I chose was about Confucianism, and it talks about the way modern Chinese people are looking to Confucius’s writing for guidance and a source of learning.
Confucius’s teachings talk about moral government and the importance of being polite. In many ways, China has become very western in the past century, but one thing that has been forgotten is Confucianism. When communism rose in China, Confucianism fell, leaving the political leaders of the country as the highest authorities.
An interesting thing about the writings of Confucius is that he talks about having an honest heart, something that is very important not only in China, but also everywhere in the world today. Another main part of the teachings is caring for everyone, no matter how they treat you. When we think about foreign relations across the world today, a lot of alliances are really not in good shape, partially due to the way countries have treated each other in the past, and grudges that are still held. If people would take that to heart, it might put less of a strain on things. I think that this would be a worthwhile topic for everyone to study, really. Not necessarily in depth, but to get the gist of it. After all, morality lessons really couldn’t hurt.
-Emily
The celebration of China’s first public celebration, Duanwu, (dragon boat festival) is a perfect example of how history is still relevant to life in China. June 12, 2008 was the first celebration of this festival in nearly half a century due to the fact that, last year, Chinese government officials reworked the countries holiday schedule to focus more on traditional festivals. Some intellectuals did not enjoy the festival. They believed that it was too modern and focused more on the traditional rituals than the meaning behind it, which I think is accurate but unfair. China is a major producer of various crops and products so, as a country, China must be up to date with modern technologies and innovations to maintain their important production status. Because modern life has found its way into China, it is absolutely unfair to expect modernization not to find its way into traditional cultural celebrations. I mean, at least the Chinese are making an extraordinary effort to celebrate their past in as much of a traditional manner as possible. Time changes people, their feelings and tastes and nothing can really be done to change that. Zongzi, the glutinous rice buns wrapped in bamboo leaves are a highlight of the Duanwu festival. Merchants, in an effort to appeal to the modern palate, navigate from the traditional homemade variety of zongzi, causing the youngsters to shun the homemade variety. These “modernized” rice treats appeal more to the modern taste. Personally, I would rather someone eat a “modernized” zongzi during the Duanwu festival than not consume one at all. But I think that China will continue to wrestle with the question of whether or not small variations of tradition and rituals are acceptable where tradition festivals are concerned.
The article which i chose was about the teachings of confucious. It talks about how the people in modern day china are looking back and using confucious's writing and morals for their own daily life. The main thing confucious wanted to teach people through his writings were the acts of being kind and polite. He was known as a very wise and honest man which you can find in a lot of people all around the world these days. The basis of his teachings still stick with everyone today such as honesty, and politeness. "Today, it's all about making money. But Confucius says we must do so with an honest heart." This is a quote from the article that shows a goal which everyone still strives for, making money. However, confucious states that it is ok to strive for this, just as long as you are honest about how you achieve this goal.
The next thing that confucious talked about in the article was the fact that you should treat everyone fairly and respectfully no matter what. This is something that I wish i could tell everyone in the world to do because it is so important as far as creating world peace. If everyone were to just treat eachother as they would want to be treated, i'm almost positive that this world would be a much happier place. Confucious seems to have been a very kind, and thoughtful man of his time and i think people around the world should still consider reading the writings of his and learn a little from them. It might just teach people some morals and make the people of this world a little more polite and righteous.
Scott Hamilton
I read the article on Confucianism and this is a good example of relativity to life in China and the world today. In the article, it talks about a little girl who is ten years old, and she dresses up every Saturday to go to the temple, which they teach about Confucianism. She listens to someone saying famous virtues that Confucius said himself, while the parents are in the back watching film about Confucius. This is a good example of the relativity to life in China because Chinese people believe in good morals and values. A lot of Chinese families teach their kids these morals and values to help their life be more successful in the future. Morals are good to know, and values are good to have as a lot of people think. The mom said she takes her daughter there to help her gain a better knowledge of morals and values, which I think personally, is great. To learn about Confucius and his philosophies is something that most people don’t study, and some do. Those who study Confucius say he teaches the importance of a moral government, sincerity, and social grace. Confucius has said many things, like the one mentioned in the article, “Politeness is a virtue we must be devoted to.” This is also a good example of the relativity to the world because I think every family wants their kids to learn good morals and values. I never really knew who Confucius was except that he was a philosopher. I heard he was one of the more famous Philosophers in China, but I didn’t know to much about him. Now, I learned he must have been truly a wise man.
I read the article on Confucianism. China has been advancing into modern age, which has brought wealth and western lifestyle. A big reason for this is the ancient believes of Confucius. People in China have found Confucianism as a way for guidance. The teachings of Confucius were shunned after the Communist party rose to the party of China but many Chinese people still follow Confucius teachings today. Sincerity and social grace is a very important concept in China. Confucianism is also being taught in China. Some people visit temples and devote to Confucius while professors in universities teach others. Families in China are teaching their children to learn good morals and to be kind to others. Having good morals is something that the rest of the world should also try to learn. Confucianism is very important in Chinese people’s lives today. Many people have learned to care for others not matter how they treat you. Decades after the Communist party was against Confucius, Chinese readers made a modern translation of Confucius, which was a best selling book. Confucianism is also being learned today in restaurants and classical music. I think more people should take a look at Confucius teachings. We can learn more about his morals and being polite and correct.
I chose to learn about the Qin Dynasty for this blog post. The video shown was about the Terra-cotta Warriors. The video explained that the first emperor Shi Huangdi had them built for his afterlife. They were there to help Shihuangdi rule other empires in the afterlife. Each solider is around 1.78 meters tall and each has its own intricate design. A farmer discovered the army when he was digging a well to the east of Mount Lishan. It is believed to have taken over 700,000 workers and 37 years of hard work to construct the mausoleum of which Shi Huangdi was founded. Until that day in March of 1974, the necropolis was left untouched by human beings. Recently though, some of the Terracotta Warriors have been damaged by the earthquake that struck China just a few weeks ago, along with other precious ancient pottery.
I chose the article about the Zhou Dynasty. This article talks about how the Chinese government made a holiday called "Duanwu" or the dragon boat festival an official holiday. This holiday takes place on the 5th day and 5th month of the lunar calender. The holiday was long dead when the communist leaders of Chinese excoriated it, and when South Korea removed this holiday because they claimed independence of their own heritage.
The festival was meant to celebrate patriotism and dissenting spirit of Chinese intelligentsia. But people are unhappy because people are leaning more towards the ritualistic side of the holiday rather than the original meaning of it. The article when talks about some ancient history. It talks about how Qu Yuan, a feudal lord had a patriotic side even though he sought to control everything and destroy all who stood in his way. This is how the holiday got started in the first place, and it is why the Chinese people want to celebrate the true meaning of it.
-Kyle Sugii
I read the article on the Han Dynasty. The article discussed how two tombs were discovered. Judging by their large size and amount of decoration, the tombs are believed to belong to royals from the Han Dynasty. The tombs were discovered in the city of Huzhuang, which is near the old capitol of the Han Kingdom. From these and other surrounding tombs, archaeologists have found many antiques made of materials such as jade, bronze, iron and pottery. These findings are important discoveries because they can help us learn more about China’s rich history. From these tombs we can hopefully see how much people in the Han Dynasty knew and how their knowledge shaped Chinese history. For example, if the Chinese had iron, this may have led to greater wars. If we can find what kind of technology they had, we may better learn how China became what they are today.
The topic I chose to write about is the article concerning Confucianism. The article talks about a philosopher named Confucius. Confucius valued and taught lessons of politeness and morals.
Even though this man lived over 2,500 years ago, people still look up to him and learn about his teachings. In the article, they talk about a mother and daughter who both are learning about Confucianism. The mother wants her family to learn good morals. This relates to everyone. Good parents always want their children to behave respectfully and politely to others. Usually, people are taught Confucianism through schools. It is also possible to learn simply politeness and good morals through having a good role model to look up to. The article also talks about making money the honest way. Even though many people desire money now days, it is acceptable, as long as it’s done honestly. Today, honesty and politeness are both valued.
Confucianism also says to be kind to everyone around you. Even if their behavior is bad, you must care for them, especially for family and friends. Today, everyone always says to treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
They even discuss about a book that has been released about Confucianism in China. I think many of Confucius’ teachings and values are still valued today in modern society. It seems he was very kind and wise. Confucius is a good role model to look up to. He spread good moral values everywhere.
patrice
In the city of Xinzheng, archaeologists have made recent discoveries of two ancient tombs. These tombs are believed to have been part of the royal members of the Han dynasty about 2,000 years ago during the Warring States Period. Near the site of the discovered tombs is a historical site called "The Old Capital of the Han Kingdom", which covers some 12,000 sq. meters. This means that the tombs could be from this old capital, and there would be many more tombs to discover. More findings have been made including 300 more tombs and antique art works of bronze, jade, iron, and pottery.
This finding is relevant to China today because with these artifacts, this finding could help archaeologists learn more about that time period. Also, 94% of the current population is part of the Han ethnic group, so it’s also relevant with the public and their ancient ancestors. But more importantly, I think with looking at all of these artifacts we are able to look more closely and see what made Chine what it is today. From uncovering tombs and antique pieces, archaeologists can learn more facts about the Han Dynasty and their royal family, possibly some of China’s architecture, and their ancient technique with design and texture with artwork. Focusing on the artwork section, we can see how they were influenced and look at how they formed their pottery, jade carvings, and created their intricate designs, which would later inspire modern China art.
The article that I read was about the ruins that they found that date back to the Zhou and Shang dynasties. This archeological find is very important because they have found seven other sites just like this one. They are all very organized on a large scale and suggest that high powered people lived there. This is also important to modern China because of the ancestral and historical aspect it provides. A stereotype of China is that you don't want to bring dishonor to the family. Family and ancestors are very important in the Chinese culture. This archeological site gives the Chinese people a look into their own history. The site will be restored and refinished.
Daoism, also called Taoism, is a religion in which you communicate with nature through the substance called chi. This chi comes from all living things and can is said to be the force that keeps all creatures alive. The article that I read about talked about the Two Kings Temple, a Daoist temple in Dujiangyan, China. This area was one of the areas effected by the recent Sichuan earthquake, and many historic sites were destroyed or damaged including this temple. The site of this temple is one of the only indigenous places in China today. The inhabitants of the temple have always taken pride in their independence and their faith. However, when the quake hit they found the only way to pay for the damages was by the state. Unfortunately the state also had to provide funds for all of the rest of the damages in the area. This temple will eventually be restored to its original form, but, "It will take a lifetime," as one monk, Wang, said after being asked. It is clear that this temple was a very important site to the remaining Daoist inhabitants, but for now they will have to live like refugees in their own country. Many believe this event to be a message from the Heavens telling the world it is out of balance, but for those that will be living in tents for the next few years it may be more.
-Ryan L.
The article I chose to write about was Daoism. This article talks about how the recent earthquake resulted in killing about 50,000 and injuring 300,000. Daoism is a religion that is like Confucianism, believing that you need to respect the land and have a balance. Some of the Daoist nuns felt that 'they had good material lives but they are empty inside.'
I think that this article talks a lot about how there needs to be a balance between the material objects and being one with the beautiful surroundings. Another nun quoted, "You can't keep cutting down the trees and destroying the land without a response from the heavens."
I think that the nuns are trying to say that for every action you have, good or bad, there is a consequence that is either good or bad. Daoism and Confucianism are similar in that way how there must be a balance within one's life such as Yin and Yang. The nuns also discovered how only one person died up at their temples and every one else was perfectly fine, no injuries, or anything. Yet they could hear the rumble of an old factory collapsing probably crushing hundreds or even thousands of people. I think that this applies to our everyday life because material possessions are becoming a lot more important than they should be. I know for a fact that I would be quite sad without my iPod or cell phone. The Daoist believes that the reason why these natural disasters occur is in fact because the world is 'out of balance.'
--Kacie Young
In the article I read it talked about Daoism and how a temple was destroyed in the recent earthquake. The taoist temple was over 1500 years old but still held strong spiritual worth for many people. The temple was filled with bronze statues, incense and fallen pieces of the pagoda. A residential monk there had said it was as if the gods were “teaching them a lesson” and how it’s a sign that “the world is out of balance”. That phrase right there shows how taoists view the world today, as a world “out of balance”. Practitioners of Taoism believe that we as humans are only a small part of nature, and that nature is something that we should not tamper with. In a world where we are cutting down trees, killing animals, pulling up oil and destroying countless ecosystems all around the world, it would seem that the world is “out of balance”. But not only is nature “out of balance” but people themselves. People around the world live lives that revolve around possessions, which is an un-natural way to live and leaves ones soul empty. Taoism is a major system that is still practiced in China today and the recent earthquake shows that people still look at nature in a sense of something larger than themselves.
In an effort to revive the Chinese culture, the Chinese government declared the dragon boat festival an official holiday, along with two other traditional festivals. They are worried that the Chinese culture is starting to diminish, and are trying to preserve their unique and rich history. China is also worried that other countries are “stealing” their culture. South Korea has a similar dragon boat festival, but they claim that their version has been developed for over a millennium.
The Chinese dragon boat festival, or Duawu, is always on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The festival is in honor of the poet, Qu Yuan, who purposely drowned himself in a river to, as the article says, “defend his political ideals and mourn the demise of his kingdom.” Qu Yuan went down in history for being a patriotic hero and for his want for freedom. Participants of the festival enjoy Zongzi, or rice buns wrapped in bamboo leaves, and watch the boat race, which represents the boats searching for the drowned poet.
However, some say the celebration isn’t really reviving the Chinese culture; it is simply restoring the rituals of the tradition rather than the spirit and meaning behind it. They think the new holidays are mostly commercial and just another way for businesses to make money. For example, the traditional homemade Zongzi rice buns are not as popular as the new, fancy variations on the treat. The new variations include goose liver, abalone, shark’s fin, and even Olympics-themed Zongzi. This shows how someone who died such a long time ago in history is still creating controversy today. It also shows how the Chinese have to be careful to preserve their culture; after all, they have a very long history and wouldn’t want to lose all of that.
Georgia Kelliher
Recently in China in a city called Xingheng, two ancient grand tombs have been found and are being examined. The inhabitants appeared to have been part of the royal family and the tombs lay close to another important site called “the Old Capital of the Han Kingdom.” Workers there have already discovered over 300 small tombs and found about 500 objects all created with bronze, iron, jade, and pottery.
These findings are still relevant to life in China today because they give people more information on the past so that everyone can learn about the ways people lived before us. It is important to know the history of where you live because the past is what has made up the present and what will continue to make the future. The things that are found in these tombs will teach us all more about the Han dynasty and how its people lived, in this particular case, how the royal family lived. Because so much of China’s population claims to be descendants from Han, this information will be affecting millions of people.
It is important to continue research such as the kind China has in Xingheng so that future generations can know more about where they live and how their ancestors lived as well. This information is key and should be continued to be studied. It is believed that there is much more to be seen in this particular area of tombs and so there must be much more to be seen in the rest of China, we just haven’t uncovered it yet,
I chose to read the article on Confucianism and how the people of China are applying those principles to life today. Some of the things it discussed were moral government, sincerity, and social grace. In China, they rely heavily on trade with other countries such as the U.S.. To successfully do so you must be honest in your dealings and treat other countries well. This all ties back in to the teachings of Confucius. It also talks about how we can want to make money but we must do so honestly. This is very important in how a country governs themselves. Economy and money are huge factors in a successful country. While China makes money they should referring back to the teachings of Confucius in being honest in doing so. The last value it mentions is treating people well no matter what they do to you. This is sort of like the golden rule, which I know I have been told since I was very young. This is something everyone should live by whether you are a single person or an entire country and it is taught in Confucianism.
The movie that was connected to the Qin dynasty had some interesting ideas about the Terracotta Warriors at the burial place of the great Shinuangdi. The Terracotta Warriors were built as a symbolic idea that the soldiers are guarding the Emperor Shinuangdi. They were supposedly supposed to keep him safe and untouched as well as guard him in the afterlife. This moment in history sums up the basic idea of the Qin dynasty. The Qin dynasty was all about a central government, strengthening the regulations of visitors, and military enforcement. This is all exemplified in the Terracotta Warriors. The idea of the warriors was to supposedly keep out any foreign people who dare come close to the emperor shows the idea that foreign people had strict rules when in China. They were also supposed to guard him, which is shown through the idea of the military force. These ideas are still in the world today by way of the power the government has over the Chinese people. The after affects of the Qin dynasty are also still evident in every day life. These are in abundance especially the Great Wall of China.
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