The mythological creature Lun in Chinese collective cultural memory

Abstract

As one of the most important cultural symbols of the Chinese nation, the Moon should initially be studied from the perspective of its history and the mechanism of cultural exchange. The multidimensional Moon culture existing among various ethnic groups of China constantly increases its significance as an element of common cultural memory in the process of interaction and mutual influence. The Moon culture manifests itself both within the framework of official culture and in folk rituals, which reflects the strong centripetal force of the Chinese nation. The common memory of Moon worship and killing gives the Moon culture endless historical vitality. Unlike lunar mythologemes of other cultures, the Chinese tradition endows the image of the Moon with a special sublime meaning, reflecting the attitude towards harmonious interaction with nature through an optimistic worldview, characteristic of the Chinese civilization. This aesthetic and philosophical dominant is manifested in the desire for symbolic reconciliation with the natural order of things, where the Moon acts as a mediator between man and the cosmos.