唐代元宵节文化信息解读

Cultural Messages in the Lantern Festival of Tang Dynasty

通过对唐代元宵节风俗事项的阐释,认为元宵节是唐代最为隆重的节日之一,其中祀神、走桥、张灯等风俗事项隐含着丰富的生殖文化信息,这种生殖既包括对农作物丰饶的祈求,又包括对人类自身繁衍兴旺的渴望.指出唐代元宵节的宗教祭祀意味在不断弱化,人们更加注重现实生活中的娱乐享受.

This paper makes a cultural reading to the customs in the Lantern Festival, one of the most important festivals in the Tang Dynasty （618-907）. During the festivity, a lot of activities are held, including sacrificial ceremonies in honor of the gods, bridge-crossing ceremonies and lantern shows, which all contain rich cultural message of reproduction. Such traditional activities not only bespeak people＇s strong desire for good harvest, but they also reveal their zest for their own prosperity. It points out that as the religiousness of the festival ebbs, people are showing more concern for its recreational pleasure.