论唐前小说中的祈雨文化

On the Culture of Praying for Rain in Pre Tang Novels

祈雨属于祈禳术之一,与民间信仰、巫术、宗教等息息相关。不论受何种因素影响而产生,其文化内涵有共通之处,都寄寓着农耕时代的人们对生命的珍视,对风调雨顺的祈请与诉求。不少史料文献对祈雨皆有相关记载,唐前小说则以自己的方式对此加以呈现:祈雨的主体不受身份限制,普通民众、仕人、术士皆可参与,但主要为仕人与术士;祈雨仪式不拘一格,民间自发举行的较为简单、随意,重在书写施法者、法术的神异、祭祀主体的德行、祷祝的最终结果,受远古遗留的“万物有灵”“巫术”等思想影响较深。祈祷的神灵有山川树木等自然神、神话传说中的神仙、龙等,杂糅了儒释道等多种思想,有一定的地域色彩。官府发起的程式严整规范,且繁冗、复杂,意在区分等级,彰显对天神的虔诚与敬畏,以及心系苍生的民本思想、农业兴邦的治国理念。唐前小说对祈雨主体、仪式,以及祝祷神灵的书写,反映了当时人们真实的生存状况,有着深厚的文化蕴涵。

Praying for rain belongs to one of the praying techniques and is closely related to folk beliefs,witchcraft,religion,etc.Regardless of the factors that influence it,its cultural connotations share similarities,embodying the people’s desire for abundant harvests in the agricultural era for survival.Many historical documents have relevant records on praying for rain,and pre Tang novels present this in their own way:the main body of praying for rain is not limited by identity and ordinary people,officials and sorcerers can participate,but the main body is officials and sorcerers.The ritual of praying for rain is not limited to any particular format,and the spontaneous folk activities are relatively simple and casual.The procedures initiated by the government are strict and standardized,and are cumbersome and complex.The gods who pray include natural gods such as mountains,rivers,and trees,as well as mythological and legendary immortals and dragons.The depiction of the subject,ceremony,and deity of praying for rain in pre Tang novels reflects the true living conditions of people at that time,and has profound cultural implications.