A Study On National Fasting System Of Tang Dynasty

The word “fasting” has an abundance of meaning in ancient China, it is not only a part of the traditional ritual system, but also has the implication of Buddhism and Taoism. In Tang Dynasty, these three different types of “fast” are united in national policy to some degree, become important content of Tang Dynasty national fasting system, and impact the concrete form of national fasting. Based on previous studies and analysis of information, the aims of this article are to find the different aspects of the Tang Dynasty fasting system, to present its unique features and its influence on future generations as well as the Tang Dynasty.The first chapter mainly discusses the intension of “fast” and the reasons of national fast in Tang Dynasty. First of all, figure out the connotation and the common of them through analyzing the various features of fasting in ritual, Buddhism and Taoism. They have mutual effects and the close relativity of the interaction at the beginning of co-exist in China which are also united in the national perspective. Then, explore the reasons of national fast based on the special historical background of the Tang Dynasty.The second chapter mainly covers the fasting in national ritual. In the Tang Dynasty, the national ritual fasting is completion and supplement to the ritual fasting in before which has an important historical status. This mainly displays in three aspects: well developed procedures; various details; legal guarantee.In addition, the Tang Dynasty national fast is affected by Taoism, political situation and other factors, and show different characteristics.The third chapter mainly delves into the national fasting during the Ramadan and feast day. Ramadan and feast day are religious festival, but the Tang government incorporated them into the scope of the national, make the religious fasting day become the common fasting day of all the people in the Tang Dynasty. The crucial policy of Tang is to prohibit the slaughter of animals; even countries have banned the death penalty as the implementation. The feast day and Ramadan fasting influence to the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty people’s life.The fourth chapter mainly enumerates the fasting in the Tang Dynasty state activities. First, the new Buddhism and Taoism fast form-fast ceremonies in the Tang Dynasty has been widely: the anniversary of the death, the Emperor’s Saint Festival and the ends of the war. Secondly, when the national catastrophes occur, the ruler will fast. Reducing meals, striking music, avoiding reside in the main hall, which in order to express self-accusation to the God. It is applied to various state activities in the Tang dynasty.The fifth chapter mainly sums up and analyzes the characteristics and influence of the Tang Dynasty national fasting system. National fast of the Tang Dynasty as an important system of the country has distinct characteristics, such as Confucianism, binding of Buddhism and Taoism, binding of fasting and legal,the emperor is dominant. National fast of the Tang Dynasty produced extensive influence both on politics and on all the people’s production and life, including the popularity of vegetarian fasting, poetry creation, changing in act and language.