Since about 1871, sociologists, anthropologists, scientists have created different classifications of cultures, which, in the end, appeared in the classical structure, according to which 164 phenomena in the history of mankind fall under the macroscopic definition of culture. This is a combination of material and spiritual treasures, the heritage of mankind, created in the process of its historical and social development. It is especially closely associated with spiritual aspects, such as literature, painting, science, philosophy.
Chinese culture - Zhonghua Wenhua, also called Huasia Wenhua (Huasia is the ancient name of the country) is a unique phenomenon that identifies a set of aspects specific to China: the way of thinking, ideas, ideas, as well as 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, having existed for more than 5000 years. Chinese culture crystallized from three sources: the Yellow River civilization, the Great River (Yangtze) civilization, and the northern steppe culture.
It has remained unchanged since its inception. In world history there are many great civilizations, glorified by rich cultures, but not preserved to our times, unlike China.
All foreign influences harmoniously assimilated in Chinese culture. In the history of the Middle Kingdom, there have never been large-scale religious wars. Three religions (Buddhism, Islam, Christianity) spread freely throughout the empire.
The culture of this country is usually classified into the following categories: elite, ancient, modern and folk.
Elite Chinese culture is a kind of thematic. She is associated with prominent personalities in the history of the country who have contributed a lot to its development.
The ancient culture of China, which is the most important segment of Chinese culture as a whole, is classified by periods (or dynasties), starting from the reign of the three Xia-Shan-Zhou dynasties and until 1840 (the beginning of the first Opium War). Also in accordance with 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 country's current economic power directly depends on the fact that China in ancient times was able to create and maintain a great culture, thanks to which a multi-ethnic society exists in stability and harmony.
There are 56 nationalities living in China, each of them has its own culture, consecrated for centuries. Folk music, dancing, rituals and beliefs, myths and legends, painting and architecture.
Ancient and modern culture is chronologically separated by 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 related to the beginning of the modern history of the country, when foreign states intervened in its internal affairs for the first time.
Modern Chinese culture is the "brainchild of mixed blood", a joint "upbringing" 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."
“Lee”, which covers not a specific object, but rather an abstract idea, refers to any of the secular social functions of everyday life, which is akin to the concept of “culture” in Western thinking. These are social customs, ceremonies, traditions, etiquette or mores. It is important to note that although the word “li” translates as “ritual”, it has a specialized meaning in Confucianism (as opposed to ordinary religious meanings). In Confucianism, actions in everyday life are considered rituals. They do not have to be systematized, but this is the usual order, a uniform, mechanically performed work, something that people consciously or unconsciously do during their normal lives. Rituals (“Lee”) organize a healthy society, which is one of the main goals of Confucianism.
2. The basic concepts about the nature of people, formulated by Mencius, who claimed that kindness is an innate quality of a person who needs only the positive influence of society.
3. The doctrine of universal love Mo-tzu.
4. Tao and De - two principles of Lao Tzu philosophy.
5. Views on the forms of government of Han Fei.
All these theories have developed on the basis of conclusions about the exclusivity of man and nature. The spiritual culture of China comes from various philosophical and worldview traditions. During the first dynasties, shamanism had a great influence on religious life. His ideas influenced later cultural manifestations, such as the cult of ancestors and natural philosophy.
