ORACLE BONES Meaning and
Definition
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Oracle bones are a type of ancient divination device that originated in China during the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE). These bones were primarily made from the shoulder blades or turtle shells of various animals, such as deer, oxen, or tortoises. The bones were carefully inscribed with a series of divination symbols used to consult the gods or ancestral spirits for answers to pressing questions or predictions about the future.
The process of divination using oracle bones involved heating the bones until cracks appeared, which were then interpreted by skilled diviners known as "bǒ shì." These diviners would pose a specific question to the gods or spirits and then interpret the pattern of cracks that formed on the bone's surface. The interpretation of these cracks was believed to reveal the answer to the question, providing guidance or insights into events yet to unfold.
Oracle bones were integral to ancient Chinese culture and played a significant role in the governance of the Shang dynasty. They were consulted by kings seeking advice on various matters, such as military campaigns, agricultural practices, weather predictions, or even religious rituals. The inscriptions on these bones also provided valuable insights into the ancient Chinese writing system; thus, their discovery in the early 20th century was a crucial contribution to the understanding of Chinese history and culture.
Today, oracle bones are considered invaluable artifacts, shedding light on the religious beliefs, divination practices, and social structure of ancient China. They serve as a significant resource for studying the origins of Chinese civilization and the development of writing systems in East Asia.
Etymology of ORACLE BONES
The term "oracle bones" has its roots in ancient Chinese culture. The word "oracle" refers to a source of divine information or prophecy, while "bones" refers to the material from which these oracles were inscribed.
The ancient Chinese used turtle shells and the bones of animals, primarily oxen, for divination purposes. They would carve questions or statements onto these bones and shells and then heat them until they cracked. These cracks were believed to convey messages from the gods or ancestors.
The original Chinese term for oracle bones is "jiǎgǔwén" (甲骨文), which literally translates to "inscriptions on tortoise shells and animal bones". The term entered English as "oracle bones" through translation, as scholars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries began studying and deciphering these ancient inscriptions.
