华夷之辨与春秋泓之战

春秋时宋楚泓之战,宋襄公为坚持礼义而放弃有利战术时机,结果大败。襄公何以这样做?自古至今一直众说纷纭。本文认为此事的背景十分复杂,涉及齐桓公以后霸政兴起,华夷对峙的局面,也与殷人的复兴运动有关。宋襄公独特的个性是事件的原因之一,但此事最终不是能由个人性格说明的,从泓之战可以看出春秋初年复杂的历史变局。此外,自古至今有关泓之战的评价,也折射出不同时代价值观念的变迁。

The Debate of Hua Yi and Hong Battle during the Spring and Autumn Period

Abstract: During Spring and Autumn period, there was a Hong Battle between the states of Song and Chu, which ended with the defeat of Xianggong of Song who insisted on the Rites and thus chose to give up advantageous tactical opportunities. Arguments for the reasons of Xianggong's choice have been numerous. This paper argues that the background behind the battle is complicated. It involves the rise of hegemony politics since Huanggong of Qi, confrontation situation between Hua and Yi, and revitalizing movement of Yin people. The unique character of Xianggong of Song is one reason but not the only one in this affair. Hong Battle reflects the complex historical situation in the early years of Spring and Autumn Period. The arguments on the battle also reflect the vicissitudes of values.