蛇:参与神灵形象整合的活性因子——珥蛇、操蛇、践蛇之神的文化意蕴

Snake as Live Factor Participating in the Integration of Images:The Cul tural Meanings of the Providence of Snakes Er, Cao and Jian

《山海经》书中出现的珥蛇、操蛇、践蛇之神 ,是经过整合而形成的神灵形象。蛇在参与这类形象的整合过程中 ,主要扮演两种角色。一是作为神灵行走和腾空的助推因素 ,二是作为神灵调节气候的法宝。蛇所扮演的这两种角色 ,都是早期先民基于对蛇基本属性的认识而赋予它的特异功能。蛇在发挥调节气候的作用时有青蛇、赤蛇之异 ,分别是水神和旱神 ,通过调控它们实现阴阳平衡。

There were a series of providence of Er Snake, Cao Snake and Jian Snake , which has been coordinated in Shanhaijing. In the course of integration, the snakes mainly assumed two roles: as a driving force for walking and flying upward to providence, and as a talisman of adjusting the climate. Th ese two roles were both based on inchoate man's perspective of its basic attrib ute and paranormal power annexed to it. In the course of adjusting the climate, there was a difference between Blue Snake standing for providence of water and R ed Snake standing for providence of drought. By regulating them, they accomplish a balance between yin and yang and make the climate comfortable.