Discussion of the theory & methodology of historical folkloristics of China
Xiao Fang
(Center for folklore ,ancient writing and Chinese characters , Beijing Normal University)
Abstract: Historical folkloristics is an important part of Chinese folkloristic system. It is about the historical study of the folklore events, and the study of the folklore events, folklore descriptions and folklore comments in history. Usually the study is divided into three aspects: history of folklore, history of folkloristics and folklore documents. Besides of the consanguineous relations with historical sociology and historical anthropology, historical folkloristics has its own academic features. The earliest concept of historical folkloristics came from Japanese folklorist. Mr. Zhong Jingwen was the pioneer and erector of Chinese historical folkloristics. Historical folkloristics study has its own specific areas, features and methods. It is a growing new subject which has special academic significance in Chinese folkloristic study.
Keywords: Historical folkloristics, history of folklore, history of folkloristic, folklore document