晋东南炎帝史迹及其对华夏文明探源的意义

传统认为炎帝起源于陕西,然而在西汉以前的文献中找不到任何根据。相反,在先秦记载中,炎帝族的活动却集中于山西晋东南太行、太岳之间。更值得注意的是,在太行、太岳之间,至今遍布着与炎帝有关的传说和习俗。从地理生态环境考察,此地亦最具备炎帝尝百草、得嘉禾的条件,而其封闭的地理环境,亦是最佳的文明孵化场。因而先秦文献及今民间关于炎帝在晋东南活动的记载与传说,应当引起我们足够的重视。农业是文明之母,因此晋东南炎帝的传说与祭拜,对于华夏文明探源工作亦有着十分重要的意义。

The Significance of Emperor Yan's Relic in the Southeast of Shanxi to the Original Chinese Culture

It is generally accepted that Emperor Yan originated from Baoji, but the historical materials about it have been not found in the literatures before the Han Dynasty. Whereas the related materials proved that Emperor Yan lived in the southeast of Shanxi. Furthermore, this can be proved by the totemisms and myths here. The environment of Taihang& Taiyue Mountains is suitable for the origin of civilization. In short, Emperor Yan's relic in the southeast of Shanxi is very important to the original Chinese culture.