An Analysis of Northern Shaanxi Folk Culture Embodied in Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs

Abstract

Northern Shaanxi is located in the north of Shaanxi Province and it is the combination belt of Eastern China and Western China and also is the fusion area of prairie, the desert and the Loess Plateau. Historically, Northern Shaanxi has been the intersection between the Han nationality and the minority nationalities. This particular geographic location is advantageous to the cultural exchange between the East and West and is conducive to the integration of nomadic culture and farming culture, thus forming unique culture of Northern Shaanxi. It can be said that Northern Shaanxi is one of the birthplaces of Chinese nation and Chinese culture. There are many traditional artistic forms in this area, of which Northern Shaanxi folk songs are most famous. Folk song is a form of music through which the working classes have traditionally expressed their emotions and feelings. It is inspired by, and is an integral part of, everyday life of the Chinese working classes and is passed down and elaborated from generation to generation. Likewise, Northern Shaanxi folk songs are vivid reflections of local people’s life and work. They are very beautiful in tune. Besides, the lyrics of Northern Shaanxi folk songs are also rich in cultural connotations, containing plenty of the local folk culture. Folk culture is always in company with corresponding folk songs; a certain kind of folk songs is always a reflection of certain folk culture. On the one hand, to better understand Northern Shaanxi folk songs requires examining and acquainting with the folk culture in it. On the other hand, if one hopes to learn about Northern Shaanxi folk culture, he or she can rely on Northern Shaanxi folk songs. It can be said the two are interwoven with each other. II. NORTHERN SHAANXI FOLK CULTURE AND ITS CLASSIFICATION Through thousands of years’ sedimentation, Northern Shaanxi folk culture is rich in its variety and content. Northern Shaanxi folk culture is related to almost all aspects of the life and work of the locals. Northern Shaanxi folk culture is characterized by the unique geographical features and the local lifestyle. Northern Shaanxi folk culture is infused in almost all aspects of the life and production activities of the local people. Northern Shaanxi folk culture can be classified into many categories, of which food culture, drinking culture, clothing culture, wedding culture, festival culture, and material life folk culture are most prominent. All those kinds of Northern folk culture have the characteristics of Northern Shaanxi. For example, Northern Shaanxi food culture has its uniqueness and the produces of Northern Shaanxi like mutton, millet, buckwheat flour, broomcorn, date forming the main ingredients of Northern Shaanxi food culture.