古代蛇纹饰的生命文化意蕴

The Life and Cultural Implication of Ancient Snake Ornamentations

古代纹饰中蛇的形态多样,文化表征也不尽相同:有原始的图腾崇拜、生殖崇拜、医药疾病以及助巫通天地、驱鬼邪等文化内涵。伏羲、女娲蛇身交尾,是原始先民蛇图腾崇拜的体现;二蛇交尾含有强烈的性及生殖崇拜;龟蛇合体突出了阴阳媾精、生命延续的主题;珥蛇、操蛇、戴蛇、践蛇等形象,彰显了蛇在巫者沟通天地中的神媒作用;蛇能晓医识药、致人病亡的传说,以及古代先民在避疫、杀鬼、治蛊中的应用,赋予了蛇神秘的巫的色彩;先民借鉴于蛇屈和蛇行气而产生的导引养生术,表达了古人追求健康长寿的愿望。

The patterns of snake in the ancient ornamentations differ in both forms and cultural representations, revealing the cultural deposits, such as primitive totem worship, reproduction worship, medicine and disease, witchcraft and exorcism. The intertwining and mating between snake-bodied Fu Xi and Nv Wa embody the snake totem worship of primitive ancestors. Besides, the copulative twist between these two snakes indicates intense sexual and production worship. The tortoise-snake body accentuates the theme of sexual union and life continuity. The images such as earring- snakes, holding-snakes, capping-snakes and stepping serpents, demonstrate the divine intermediary role of snakes as wizards communicating between the secular world and the heaven. The legend of snakes, such as knowing medicine and causing death, and the application of avoiding disease and poison endow the mysterious and magical meaning of snake. Learning from snakes＇ twisting and breathing, ancestors developed regimen guidance, which reflects the pursuit of health and longevity.