汉水流域“寄死窑”大文化观系统阐释

The Systematic Interpretation of the Views on the "Cave-dwelling" Culture within Hanjiang River Basin

自2000年以来,在川、陕、鄂、豫交界的汉水流域中游及其支流发现了大批古代"寄死窑",专供到了60岁的老人自我死亡时使用。与对日本、韩国的弃老山、印度的弃老国一样,学术界先后提出了死亡地说、古老久远说、生存法则说、灾年不得已说、野葬遗留物说、野蛮习俗说、生产力落后说等等。事实上,"寄死窑"风俗的形成和延续,不仅反映了汉水流域一定历史时期社会生产力和物质经济的发展水平,同时,也反映了当时当地社会文化和文明的进化程度,并突出而鲜明地折射出汉水流域人们对待生命和死亡的态度与观念。可以说,"寄死窑"习俗不是野蛮落后,也不是恶俗、不孝,它所昭示的是一种最古老、最朴素的死亡观,同时也是一种最自然、最理性、最世俗、最崇高的死亡观,它所反映出的是汉水文化在生命哲学上的深厚底蕴。

Since 2000, many of the ancient 'Cave-Dwelling' cultures have been found within the middle part of Hanjiang River and its tributaries, which was once used for the old men above 60 years old to live until their natural death there. All over the world there are many theories concerning such a method of death. In fact, 'Cave-Dwelling' cultures in the middle part of Hanjiang River reflect the developmental level of labor force and economy at a certain historical period as well as the degrees for the social culture and civilization to progress. It also shows the special attitudes and mental concepts on life and death. This kind of idea on life and death is an oldest and simplest one, which reflects the deep connotative meanings of life philosophy in Hanjiang River Culture.