The Research Of Oracle-bone Inscription From A Ceremonial Perspective

With the employment of the method of Scenarios on semeiology, the research on Oracle-bone Inscription is undertaken. Through the discussion of the different Symbolic signs, the features of the ancient characters are to be found out.This thesis is divided into three parts:The first part is the generality, introducing the purpose of the chosen topic, the survey of present research, the significance of the research, theoretical support, methods for study and the presentations on the topic.The second part is the body of the thesis, which consists of three parts: Firstly,according to the semeiotic theory , the features of Symbolic signs is described. It is different from Assmann's Cultural memory theory, which distinguished two kinds of signs: Ceremony and character, Instead, another method is employed here. Oracle-bone Inscription is regarded as ceremonial signs, It is provided with sanctity, symbolic, repeatability, dynamic and high Context.From microcosmic and Macro aspects, the Oracle-bone Inscription is further discussed.Secondly, the Symbolic feactures of Oracle-bone Inscription is analysed from microcosmic respect.Based on the total piece of Oracle-bone Inscription as a unit, the elements are explained. This is a static structural analysis. Testing speech, account of inscription and burn marks, format, font are included in this part. Testing speech, which appeared later than other inscriptions, it is used to record wether previous divination and pray is useful. The existence of Testing speech prove Oracle-bone Inscription's incomplete features. Account of inscription and burn marks make up alternative relations. The Significance of burn marks must be explained by Account of inscription. They illustrate each other together. The format of Oracle-bone Inscription should Subject to the actual ignition situation, the sequence of Inscription should be consistent with the sequence of burn marks. It can not be Changed freely. So the Organizational structure of Oracle-bone Inscription Show nonlinear, Spaces of grammer character.Thirdly, the Symbolic feactures of Oracle-bone Inscription is analysed from Macro respect.The production process of Oracle-bone Inscription, divination methods, Pray, dance and Worship ceremony are illusted in this part. The production process Composed of selection of bones, Processing, the treatment of appearance, they are hardware of the Inscriptions. Divination methods is an example which can prove Oracle-bone Inscription is a kind of Symbolic sign.Beacuse Inscription is related to divination, which is a complex and Multi-dimensional activity. Pray is a kind of emotional language, repeatability and regular schedule are its main character. It comply with a spatial, visual rule and ia is an integral part of ceremony. Dance is tied with ceremony, the perfection of ceremony draw support from all kinds of signs.The final part is the conclusion, summarizing the complete thesis and point several more future aspects of the Inscriptions.