Sa-tree culture and tradition in the Central Plain of China

Abstract

Sa-tree sylvanism has led to the Earth Ritual and Sajik Altar tradition. The Sa-institution had been in the Yu and Xia ancient states of the later Neolithic and early Bronze-Age, and in the Shang and Zhou kingdoms of the Bronze Age. Lu and Song, the two feudal states of the Zhou kingdom, had two types of Sa-precincts. Pine, cypress, chestnut, catalpa, scholar tree, and elms were Sa-tree species. Ancient Sa-precincts functioned as a place of the Earth Ritual, juridical court, military gatherings, and communitarian public meetings. One of the highest six ministers (Earth official) who was in charge of Sa-institution was appointed with the practical officials who had to take care of the Sa-precinct, mountains, forests, rivers, marshes, and hunting. Sa-institution was practiced for all the people, not only kings and dukes, but also for common people. Inhabitants at villages in Zhou, Qin and Han were grouped into a Sa unit, which has also been used as an administrative unit. The ancient Sa-tree culture has common ground with the sylvanistic culture of current minorities in mountainous areas of China. Sa-tree culture and tradition can be brought to modern consciousness, and its implications in culture, forestry and social organization should be harnessed by members of modern society in Northeast Asia.