Wen 丨 Uncle Ming's Treatise
Editor丨Uncle Ming's treatise
introduction
The Spring and Autumn Warring States period in China was a period of frequent wars and political changes, when war was not only a confrontation of forces, but also involved many war etiquettes and rituals. The most important of these is the ritual of sacrifice, a ritual that expresses respect and gratitude to the gods and ancestors.
In war, sacrificial rites can not only protect the safety of soldiers and generals, but also strengthen their confidence and courage, and also unite the fighting power of the army, so that they can better fight for the country and family. In this article, we will focus on the rituals of sacrifice during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China.
Thesis: Battlefield etiquette during the Spring and Autumn Warring States period
1. Devout sacrificial rituals
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China, sacrificial rites were a very important battlefield ritual. Generals and soldiers in the army usually perform sacrificial ceremonies before going to war to show respect and gratitude to the gods and ancestors. These ceremonies usually include the following:
1. Prepare the offering: In the sacrificial ceremony, it is very important to prepare the offering. Offerings usually include animals, fruits, wine, and rice. These offerings are often seen as offerings and reverence to the gods and ancestors to pray for blessings and protection from the gods.
2. Set up an altar: In a sacrificial ceremony, the army usually sets up an altar for sacrifice. Altars were usually made of wood or stone, surrounded by flowers and ornaments. Offerings are usually placed on the altar and incense is lit as a sign of respect and gratitude.
3. Prayer and supplication: In sacrificial ceremonies, generals and soldiers in the army usually pray and pray. They would pray to the gods and ancestors for blessings and shelter, while expressing their gratitude. These prayers usually include victory in war, protection of soldiers, and the safety of civilians.
4. Sacrifices and feasts: After the sacrificial ceremony, sacrifices and feasts are usually held to celebrate and thank the gods and ancestors for their blessings. Sacrifices usually involve slaughtering animals and cooking them into delicious dishes for offering. At the same time, soldiers and generals will also share food and drinks to strengthen unity and friendship among soldiers.
2. Respect the enemy and prisoners
In addition to sacrificial ceremonies, battlefield rituals during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China included rituals to respect enemies and captives. In the wars of that time, respect for the enemy and prisoners was seen as a traditional virtue and moral standard, a way to pay homage to the enemy and prisoners and to demonstrate humanitarianism.
In war, if enemy generals are captured, they are usually treated with certain courtesies, such as not killing them, not mistreating them, not forcing them to betray their country, etc. Sometimes, captives are released to return to their home countries, which is known as "repatriation." In addition, if enemy generals are wounded or sick as a result of war, they are usually treated and cared for.
In addition, in war, if one side wins in battle, it is common to send condolences to the enemy and prisoners who died in battle. After the war, the victorious side usually holds a memorial service to pay tribute and mourn to the fallen enemies and prisoners, while also reminding themselves not to forget the humanitarianism of war.
In general, respect for enemies and prisoners was one of the important battlefield etiquettes of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China. This ritual embodies the traditional virtues and moral standards of respect for the enemy and prisoners, and is an important way to pay homage to the enemy and prisoners and demonstrate humanitarianism.
3. Obey etiquette and rules
In addition to respecting enemies and prisoners, observing etiquette and rules was also one of the battlefield etiquettes during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China. In the war at that time, the army had to strictly abide by various rules and etiquette to ensure fairness and order in the war.
Before the start of the war, some ceremonial and oath-taking ceremonies are usually performed to ensure that the parties comply with the regulations and agreements. For example, in some important battles, an oath ceremony will be performed, and both sides will swear to abide by the rules and agreements in the war to ensure the justice and order of the war.
In addition, in war, all parties must abide by rules such as ceasefires, exchange of prisoners of war, and prohibitions on attacks on civilians. If a party violates these provisions, it will be punished or reprimanded.
At the same time, in war, some etiquette must also be observed, such as forbidden to fight in enemy cemeteries, temples or mausoleums. In addition, some combat techniques and rules must be observed, such as avoiding attacks on non-combatant areas and civilian settlements, and avoiding the use of inhumane weapons.
In general, observance of etiquette and rules was one of the important battlefield etiquettes during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China. This etiquette can guarantee justice and order in the war, while also reminding all parties to maintain a certain level of humanity and moral standards in the war.
4. Morale-boosting speeches
On the battlefields of China's Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, morale-boosting speeches were also an important battlefield etiquette. In war, soldiers and generals need to maintain high morale and fighting spirit to ensure victory in battle. Morale-boosting speeches are an effective way to encourage soldiers to lift their spirits and face the enemy.
In speeches, speakers usually express trust and expectations for the soldiers, encouraging them to bravely move forward and challenge the enemy. At the same time, speakers will emphasize the importance of teamwork and solidarity, as well as the necessity and importance of victory.
In addition to expressing encouragement and trust in the soldiers, the speakers will provide some practical advice and guidance to help the soldiers better perform in battle. For example, the speaker may offer some combat techniques and tactics to help soldiers better respond to enemy attacks.
In general, morale-boosting speeches were an important battlefield etiquette during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China. This etiquette can motivate the fighting spirit and confidence of the soldiers, help them better cope with the challenges of the battle, and ensure victory in the battle.
5. Respect the funeral of the deceased
On the battlefields of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China, respecting the funeral of the deceased was also an important battlefield etiquette. In war, soldiers and generals may die on both sides, so handling the remains of the deceased and arranging funerals is also an important task.
A funeral with respect for the deceased shows respect and respect for the deceased and also sends a positive message to their loved ones. At funerals, there are usually oaths and declarations assuring all participants that the etiquette and rules will be observed. At funerals, participants often show condolences and respect to express their deep condolences and respect for the deceased.
At funerals, there may also be some rituals and traditional etiquette. For example, sometimes family members of the deceased hold sacrificial ceremonies to pray for peace and happiness in the next life. In some cases, there are also some mourning activities by the military.
In general, respect for the funeral of the deceased was an important battlefield etiquette during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China. This etiquette can show respect and mourning for the deceased, or it can convey a positive message encouraging participants to maintain humanity and moral standards in war.
6. Pay tribute to the soldiers who died in battle
Paying homage to the fallen soldiers was an important battlefield ritual during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China. In war, soldiers will give their lives for the good of the country and the nation. In order to express respect and mourning for the fallen soldiers, the ceremony of paying tribute to the fallen soldiers is regarded as a very important event.
During ceremonies honoring the fallen soldiers, there are usually oaths and declarations assuring all participants that etiquette and rules will be observed. During the ceremony, participants often show condolences and respect to express their deep condolences and respect for the fallen soldiers. Some family members, relatives and friends also participate in the memorial ceremony to express their remembrance and condolences for the deceased.
There may also be specific rituals and traditional rituals during the ceremony. For example, in some cases, altars or offering tables may be set up with flowers, candles, candies, etc. to honor the deceased.
7. Devotion and sacrifice
In the battlefield etiquette of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China, devotion and sacrifice were inevitable. In war, the victory of an army often requires sacrifice and dedication by someone to protect the lives and interests of others.
In the armies of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China, soldiers and generals had a strong sense of loyalty and honor. They are willing to make sacrifices and sacrifices for the country and the monarch, even in extremely dangerous situations.
In war, some generals were even willing to lead the army themselves to charge in order to boost the morale of the army and break the enemy's defenses. Sacrifice and dedication were seen as an honorable act that earned soldiers and generals recognition and respect from society.
In addition, in the army of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China, dedication and sacrifice were also seen as a duty and obligation to ancestors and descendants. Soldiers and generals believe that their actions will affect the honor and destiny of their families and descendants, so they are willing to make sacrifices and dedication for the benefit of their families and future generations.
epilogue
The battlefield etiquette of China's Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods reflected the values and moral standards of the Chinese at the time. In war, various battlefield etiquettes, such as respecting enemies and prisoners, observing etiquette and rules, respecting the funeral of the dead, paying tribute to the dead soldiers, and respecting military orders, all reflect the pursuit and recognition of the values of bravery, loyalty, integrity, respect and sacrifice by the Chinese people.
These battlefield etiquettes are not only to maintain the discipline and order of the army, but also to improve the combat effectiveness and moral level of the army. Through these ceremonies, the morale of the army can be improved, and the unity and combat effectiveness of the army will be strengthened.
At the same time, these etiquettes also reflect respect and admiration in Chinese culture, and embody the noble humanistic spirit and moral sentiments of the Chinese nation. In modern society, although war still exists, people's understanding and perception of war and the military has changed a lot.
However, the battlefield etiquette of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in China is still worth learning and learning from, because the values and moral standards embodied in these etiquettes have important enlightenment and reference significance for us to shape good civic character and promote social harmony.
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