作为类型符号的关羽

Guan-Yu: A Type-sign of Chinese Culture

关羽是一种记载符号,具有记载历史、阐释历史的表意功能;关羽也是一种工具符号,统治阶层把关羽作为维护自己统治的工具,而游民阶层则把关羽作为维护帮会利益的工具,关羽也被市民阶层作为发财致富、祈求风调雨顺的工具;关羽可以作为宗教符号而存在,儒、释、道等宗教无不利用关羽宣扬本教教义。在历史长河中,关羽已经逐步脱离了活生生的人而演变成一个无比丰富的文化能指,成为不同阶层维护自己利益的类型符号。

As a records symbol,Guang Yu has the function of recording and interpreting the history. As a tool symbol,it is a tool for the ruling class to maintain their rule,a tool for the vagrant people to safeguard their gang interests,and a tool for the common people to make a fortune and pray for good. As a religious symbol,it is a tool for Confucianism,Buddhism and Taosim to advocate their doctrines. In the Chinese history,Guan Yu has gradually become a rich cultural symbol from a real person,and thus a type sign for different classes to maintain their benefits.