1, the history of Oracle Bone Inscriptions
Oracle Bone Inscriptions is the earliest mature script in China, with a history of more than 3,000 years. Mainly found in the ruins of Yin Ruins in Anyang, Henan Province, it is a written record in the late Shang Dynasty. Oracle Bone Inscriptions is carved on the bones of tortoise shells, which is used for oracles to record state affairs and religious ceremonies.
Oracle Bone Inscriptions is the starting point of the development history of Chinese characters, which laid the foundation for the later development of inscriptions on bronze, seal script and official script. The political, economic, cultural and religious information of the late Shang Dynasty can be learned from Oracle Bone Inscriptions, which is of great value to the study of ancient history of China.
2. The evolution of bamboo characters.
Zhuzi is a hieroglyphic whose shape can be traced back to the period of Oracle Bone Inscriptions. Oracle Bone Inscriptions's word "bamboo" looks like two bamboo branches, and there are three bamboo leaves under each branch. The word "bamboo" in the Warring States period characters, the symbol of bamboo leaves has moved from the lower part of Oracle Bone Inscriptions to the upper part of the bamboo pole shape, which looks like two bamboos side by side.
There are two small horizontal lines under the inscription of the Warring States Period. Some people explain that these two horizontal lines are the appearance of bamboo neatly side by side, while others interpret them as soil. The figure of Xiao Zhuan only follows the main part of the bronze inscription, that is, the figure of two bamboo branches side by side. Both official script and regular script have regular strokes, but the shape of bamboo can be roughly seen.
The Cultural Symbol of Bamboo
1 symbolizes perseverance.
During the growth process, bamboo can survive tenaciously in the harsh environment of cold, heat and drought, and even if it is oppressed and destroyed, it can recover quickly and continue to grow upward. This indomitable spirit is consistent with the national character and struggle spirit of the Chinese nation. Therefore, bamboo has become the spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation's perseverance and self-improvement.
2. It symbolizes the quality of modesty and low-key.
In the process of bamboo growth, although the root system is developed, it never makes public and always keeps a low profile. Even if you grow into a towering tree, you will never forget your roots and always maintain a modest and low-key quality. This quality is consistent with the traditional virtues and philosophy of life of the Chinese nation. Therefore, bamboo has become a quality symbol of the Chinese nation's modesty and low-key, the golden mean.
3. It symbolizes elegant and fresh aesthetics.
Bamboo has beautiful shape and smooth lines, which has high aesthetic value. In the traditional culture of China, bamboo is known as one of the "Four Gentlemen", which ranks with plum, orchid and chrysanthemum. At the same time, the green color of bamboo symbolizes freshness, naturalness and purity, which conforms to the elegant and fresh aesthetic taste of China people. Therefore, bamboo has become an elegant and fresh aesthetic symbol of the Chinese nation.