2025-03-21
March 22nd is World Water Day. In ancient China, people had a deep reverence for water. Water is the source of life, nourishing everything and sustaining the survival and reproduction of living beings. Ancient people believed that water was not only a symbol of the power of nature, but also a mysterious presence that could influence the weather, terrain and even the fate of mankind.
In the myths and legends, the god of water, Gong Gong, He Bo, as well as dominate the rivers, lakes and seas of the Dragon King and other images deeply rooted in people's hearts. People expressed their reverence and prayers to the water god through rituals, prayers for rain and peace, hoping that the wind and rain would be smooth and floods would be far away. These beliefs reflect the ancient people's dependence on and fear of water, and also show their exploration and understanding of the laws of nature.
Water is invisible, it can be condensed into a piece of transparent glass in your hand; water also has temperature and weight, it can help us do a lot of things. Rain and dew never stop, a hundred rivers run, the power of water is always strong. And the good use of water is the wisdom of the industrious ancient people!
Ancient China's water conservancy projects were outstanding achievements. Great projects such as Dujiangyan, Lingqu, and the Grand Canal not only demonstrated the wisdom of the ancestors in managing floods and utilizing water resources, but also benefited the future generations, laying the foundation for agricultural and social development. The construction of these water conservancy facilities fully embodies the ancient people's deep understanding of water and the concept of following nature and making the best use of the situation.
In literature and art, water is also an important image of poets and artists. From the “Poetry” in the “关关雎鸠,在河之洲”, to Su Shi's “竹外桃花三两枝,春江水暖鸭先知”, to Li Bai's “From celestial heights the Yellow River roars,To embrace the ocean—its journey defies return“Water not only carries the poet's emotion, but also becomes an important carrier to express philosophy and life thinking. These works have been passed down through the ages, allowing us to get a glimpse of the ancient people's deep feelings and unique understanding of water.
Water nourishes life, shapes the earth, and carries human wisdom and faith. The ancient people's reverence for water not only reflects the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, but also maps out the spiritual connotation of Chinese culture, which has a long history.