People explore the past to find patterns for the future or to seek meaning in their own journey through time. However, the past has already faded into obscurity, leaving behind an abundance of fragmented memories. These remnants are rearranged and assembled, forming a tapestry of various representations of bygone times. These evocative images are then preserved in the minds of future generations, each interpreting them in their own unique way.
In the present academic field, “memory” has emerged as a highly regarded topic. The roots of contemporary memory research can be traced back to the pioneering work on “collective memory” by French sociologist Maurice Halbwachs in the first half of the 20th century. His study explored the social framework and societal functions of memory, introducing insightful concepts that laid the theoretical groundwork for future memory research. Influenced by Halbwachs, Pierre Nora of France further introduced the concept of “sites of memory” (or “Realms of Memory”, French: Lieu de mémoire), while Jan Assmann of Germany proposed the notion of “cultural memory.” Their research has become important references in contemporary memory studies. Regarded as the subject of memory, the “past” captivates their attention as they delve into the profound interplay between memory and the societal and cultural contexts that shape it. Contemporary memory studies are chiefly concerned with the intricate processes of ascribing significance, crafting narratives, and employing the past to forge identities. The materials under scrutiny span a wide spectrum, encompassing tangible remnants of human endeavors as well as intangible textual treasures. Such a research orientation has infused empirical investigations in ancient Chinese history and culture with newfound inspiration.
Abundant in their depiction of individuals, ethnic groups, events, systems, and culture, the Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty documents hold a treasure trove of knowledge. Approaching these records through the lens of memory studies, the research endeavors to illuminate the intricate dynamics of remembrance during that era. The focus shifts towards unraveling the intricacies of how people of that time remembered, how they engaged in the act of recollection, which memories were preserved, and which were left behind in the recesses of oblivion. Furthermore, it delves into the fascinating processes of memory formation, narration, transmission, and transformation across the tapestry of time. In contrast to the vibrant progress in memory studies during modern and contemporary China, the exploration of memory in the Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties remains largely untapped. The scarcity of diverse research materials in this era, coupled with the overwhelming abundance of unearthed documents, poses considerable interpretation barriers for scholars, impeding the advancement of research in this field.
Acknowledging these circumstances, the current issue of the journal aims to shed light on “Past Memories in Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty Documents.” We welcome scholars to submit articles related with the shared objective of deepening the understanding of early Chinese memory. Submission for this special article column section ends by the beginning of March 2024.
