Semiotic Interpretation and Cultural Genes of Mexican Traditional Festivals from the Perspective of Symbolic Anthropology: A Case Study of Día de los Muertos

Qian Zhang; Siyi Zhang

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202604_9(4).0001

Authors

Qian Zhang
Siyi Zhang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202604_9(4).0001

Keywords:

Symbolic anthropology, Cultural genes, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, Cross-cultural comparison

Abstract

To address the issues in the study of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, including fragmented theoretical frameworks, superficial interpretation of symbols, and the neglect of cultural gene differences in the comparison between Chinese and Mexican festivals, this study constructs an analytical framework based on the theory of symbolic anthropology. By systematically sorting out the symbolic system and cultural genes of Día de los Muertos, it conducts a comparative analysis with China’s Qingming Festival. This approach provides theoretical support for the mutual exchange and learning between Chinese and Mexican civilizations. In terms of research methods, this study adopts an integrated approach combining theoretical construction, empirical analysis, and comparative verification. Firstly, it combs through relevant theoretical achievements through a literature review to clarify the research dimensions; secondly, it analyzes the cultural connotations of the core symbols of Día de los Muertos with specific cases; finally, it compares the two festivals from multiple dimensions to deeply explore their cultural roots. The study verifies the effectiveness of symbolic anthropology in festival research, clearly defines the core cultural genes carried by the symbols of Día de los Muertos, and reveals the essential differences between Día de los Muertos and Qingming Festival in terms of life-and-death concepts, ethical values, and cultural roots. This study innovatively constructs an integrated analytical paradigm of symbols and cultural genes, breaking through the limitations of existing research. It not only provides a new methodological reference for cross-cultural festival research but also offers useful insights for promoting the international communication of traditional Chinese festivals and deepening the practice of cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Boyer, P., & Liénard, P. (2006). Why ritualized behavior? Precaution systems and action parsing in developmental, pathological and cultural rituals [J]. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 29, 595-613.

[2] Douglas, M. (1966). Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo [M]. London: Routledge.

[3] Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures [M]. New York: Basic Books.

[4] Turner, V. W. (1969). The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure [M]. Chicago: Aldine Transaction.

[5] Turner, V. W. (1975). Dramas, Fields, and Metaphors: Symbolic Action in Human Society [M]. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

[6] Tawm, N. (2018). The Sociocultural Influences of Manau Festival on Kachin Ethnic Group [D]. Yangon: MERAL Portal.

[7] Fei, X. T. (2019). From the Soil: The Foundations of Chinese Society. Shanghai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House.

[8] Guo, L. B. (2008). An analysis of Confucian views on life and death. Journal of Social Science of Hunan Normal University, 37(06), 54–57.

[9] Huang, T. (2004). The origin, connotation, modern changes and functions of the Qingming Festival. Folk Culture Forum, 05, 16–22.

[10] Hong, X. H., & Gao, M. Y. (2019). A comparison of sacrificial colors and emotional tones between Qingming Festival and Día de los Muertos. Regional Culture Studies, 01, 72–77+155.

[11] Li, J. W. (2015). How rituals reinvent tradition: A review of Sherpas from a Ritual Perspective. The World Religious Culture, 03, 133–136.

[12] Li, Y. (2022). A comparative analysis of festival culture between Mexican Día de los Muertos and Chinese Qingming Festival. Journal of Culture Studies, 03, 200–203.

[13] Qian, M. (2023). Introduction to Chinese Cultural History. Beijing: The Commercial Press.

[14] Qu, M. A. (2007). On the basic characteristics of symbolism. Ethno-National Studies, 05, 56–65+108–109.

[15] Qu, M. A., & Chen, Y. P. (2013). On the origin relationship between semiotics and symbolic anthropology. Qinghai Journal of Ethnology, 24(01), 11–15.

[16] Qu, M. A. (2013). The constituent elements of symbolism from the perspective of symbolic anthropology. Guizhou Social Sciences, 08, 40–43.

[17] Tong, M. Y. (2019). An analysis of Aztec culture behind Mexican Día de los Muertos: Taking the films The Book of Life and Coco as examples. Journal of Baise University, 32(02), 24–32.

[18] Wang, J. L. (2016). A cultural comparison between Chinese Qingming Festival and Mexican Día de los Muertos. Guanzi Journal, 04, 108–111.

[19] Wang, X. B. (2011). Construction and performance of rituals: An anthropological investigation of Confucius and ancestor worship ceremonies in Qufu during Qingming Festival 2011. Cultural Heritage, 03, 108–115+158.

[20] Zhang, X. Q. (2011). The dead in coffins, the living in revelry: Mexican Día de los Muertos. Civilization, 04, 102–115.

[21] Zhang, X. M., & Chen, X. Y. (2017). Semiotic research on traditional festivals: Framework reconstruction and case analysis. Tourism Tribune, 32(11), 26–40.