The Ryukyu Calendar Study In Qing Dynasty Under The Background Of East Asian International Order Transition

During Ming and Qing dynasties,Ryukyu,as one of the vassal states of China,was influenced by China in various aspects,such as politics,economy,culture,science,technology and so on.The astronomy and calendar is the typical example in point.Focusing on Ryukyu calendar,this paper explores its mode,significance and influence of Chinese conferring calendar to Ryukyu in Ming and Qing dynasties;combs the change process of Ryukyu calendar from the early Ming dynasty to the late Qing dynasty;compares the similarities and differences of calendar between Ryukyu and Qing dynasty;analyses the significance of politics,science,and culture behind the events of that Qing government mapped Ryukyu in 1719 and Solar Terms schedule was loaded into Qing dynasty calendar;explains the ways that Chinese astronomy and calendar was introduced into Ryukyu in Qing dynasty and the process that Ryukyuan developed their own calendar system after learning,adaptation and assimilation;analyses the process and cause of alternation of Ryukyu calendar;reveals the close relationship between the change of East Asian international order and the evolution of the Ryukyu calendar.From the above detailed analysis,we can come to the conclusions as follows.On one hand,Ryukyu Kingdom received Chinese government's calendar during Ming and Qing dynasties.In about five hundred years,Ryukyu kept a close vassal relationship with China,which must be understood with the key of cultural attraction.On the other hand,the cultural intercourse between Ryukyu and China such as Calendar dramatically changed the face of Ryukyu,and made Ryukyu move forward into civilization.This paper pays attention to understanding and comparison of historical records of the three parties of China,Japan and Ryukyu.Based on deeply mining historical data,this paper explains the complicated causes of the evolution of the Ryukyu calendar.Then shows a distinctive astronomy diffusion course in the long communication history of China and Ryukyu.Also,this paper can make us deeply understand the spreading condition of science and technology as well as culture under political driving in ancient China.At the same time,it is helpful for us to know the history and current state of relationships between China,Japan and Ryukyu.