论神话龙形象表征含义的变迁

On the Role Development of Chinese Dragon in National Culture

龙文化对中华民族的影响至深至远,以至于成为中华民族的象征和炎黄子孙的骄傲。中国龙的形成,是原始社会图腾崇拜的反映,与我国原始社会氏族的出现密切相关。龙是不存在于生物界的,它是汇集各种图腾的特征想象出来的动物。在中国的民族文化中,龙的形象和它承载的文化有着悠久的历史和漫长的演变过程。"龙"的形象出自远古的图腾崇拜,来自远古的神话传说。神话是民族文化的源头,"龙"的神话起源于原始社会晚期,在民间神话中占很重要的地位。存在于神话中的龙,经历了图腾崇拜、皇权象征、祥瑞载体几个阶段的角色演变,对中国古代政治、经济、宗教、衣食住行和文学艺术等产生了重大影响。直至今日,人们对"龙"的认识已走出了神话,龙文化已深入到人们的生活中,成了中华民族的根脉所在和精神之源。

Culture of dragon influenced Chinese nation so profound and lasting that it becomes the symbol of Chinese nation and the pride of Chinese people. The formation of Chinese dragon is closely related to the emergence of the clan in primitive society in China, and it reflects the phenomenon of totem worship in the primitive society. Dragon does not exist in biological category. It is an imaginary animal which absorbs various totem characteristics. In Chinese culture, the image of dragon and the culture it bears has a long history and a long process of development. The image of dragon stems form totem worship, myths and legends in ancient times. Myths are the source of national culture. The myth about the dragon takes an important position in folklore and it traces back to a late period of primitive society. It experienced several phases of development, including totem worship, an emblem of imperial power and a vehicle for good omens. It influenced ancient Chinese politics, economy, religion, basic necessities of life and literature and art. Up to now people＇s understanding of the dragon has gone beyond the confines of mythology. The Dragon has become the origin, the blood relationship and the source of spirit of the Chinese nation.