A Study Of Sacrifice Of Zhou Dynasty

This thesis aims to make a systematic research on the sacrifice offering in Zhou Dynasty. Ibcusing on the discussion of the relation between the ritual sacrifice and social politics, based on the thorough analysis of the social function of the divine rights the hierarchical sYstem and pragmatism and holds that the sole mission of sacrifice in Zhou Dynasty was almost to serve for the purposes of politics then and played a crucial role to maintain the society often . in the garb oI?gods and ghosts . the ruling class regarded themselves as the son as representatives of 1-leaven to rule the world, and imposed their wills on the ruled. Therel鰎e, ritual sacrifices came to be a social ideology of Zhou Dynasty and def~ndcd firmly the interests of ruling class. This thsis is composed of live sections. Section One ~ivcs a clear description of the Sacrifices to Heaven and their ancestors in Zhou Dvnas Iv. and points out the purposes of the sacrifices were to demonstrate the divine rights for the King of the world (the son of Heaven). Section Two provide a prolbunding analysis of the hierarchical phenomena in sacrifice in Zhou Dv nast. The hierarchies reflected in the relations between the ruler and his subjects. the ruling circles and the common people. even males and Ii.~malcs. direct and indirect relations. The rul.er抯 privilege in sacri lice indicated the diIi~rent levels of the hierarchies. Section Uhrec eXpounds the hidden pragmatist intentions ot sacrifice through the exposition of activities in the praying. offering sacrifices and averting misfortunes and disasters. Section Four first presents the essential characteristics of the sacrifice and the ruler抯 attitudes toward sacrifice in /hou Dynasty. Then expounds 晅he inner relations between sacri hiccs and politics and points out the - sacrificing activities of ihe rulers were a means to meet their political demands. ? Section Five explores the rationality and cli鑓tiveness of sacrifice in Zhou Dynasty and maintain that it bad a positive influence on society. fiunily and individual during that time.