Jade culture, how did the function of jade in China evolve?

China's jade culture has a long history, not only ancient people like to wear jewelry related to jade, we modern people also especially love jade jewelry. Jade first appeared in China during the Neolithic era, when people were searching for tools and found such a beautiful stone as jade. So in the beginning, jade was a sacred jade, usually used in rituals, and then during the Zhou Dynasty it became a ceremonial jade, used as a gift for friends and family. After the Han Dynasty, it became a kind of jewelry that was generally liked by the masses.

I. The Divine Jade Stage of Jade

The earliest in the Neolithic Age, when human ancestors were looking for materials to make tools, they found such a beautiful and eye-catching stone. The origin of the Chinese character for jade is the tribal leader, also known as the Great King, a bit of accessory around the waist. So a long time ago it could only be possessed by the tribal chiefs, but then when it came to rituals, the chiefs didn't dare to keep the jade to themselves, but offered it as a tribute to the heavens as a sacred jade. Therefore, at this stage, the divine domain was the medium connecting human beings with the heavens.

The second stage of jade rituals

The Zhou Dynasty was founded as a state of rituals because of its crusade against the Shang Dynasty's disregard for reason and the emperor's mediocrity. And jade in this period also as valuables, give each other to friends and relatives. When Confucius spread Confucianism in the Spring and Autumn, he also used jade as a metaphor for people. Confucius believed that jade contained many good virtues, such as etiquette, virtue and wisdom, and being a gentleman. And jade was also an important token for Confucius to spread Confucianism. Therefore, Confucius closely integrated Confucianism with jade, and transitioned from the stage of ritual jade to the era of jade wearing. This is also the reason why people in future generations like to wear jade because of the reputation of being a gentleman.

Third, the historical significance of jade

Jade culture is an important part of China's traditional culture, which has y influenced the ideology and spirit of the Chinese nation. For example, there is an idiom called another for jade, which expresses the strong spirit of patriotism. So jade not only has aesthetic value, but also has a strong national spirit, is an indispensable part of our culture.