Bie - Revision history

YoulaAzkarrula: lema

2026-08-24T03:14:44Z

lema

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:14, 24 August 2026
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	[[Category:Asterism ]][[Category:Constellation ]]~~[[Category:Single star-asterism]]~~		[[Category:Asterism ]][[Category:Constellation ]][[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]
	[[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]
	[[Category:Chinese ]]		[[Category:Chinese ]]
	[[Category:CrA]][[Category:IAU-Star Name]]		[[Category:CrA]] [[Category:Star Name]]
			[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

IanRidpath: /* Identification of stars */ Superscripts

2026-08-19T15:23:34Z

Identification of stars: Superscripts

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 19 August 2026
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	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+		\|+
	!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)		!Star Names or Orders (Traditional/Qing)
	!style="color: gray;" \|Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, "Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources", ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>		!style="color: gray;" \|Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, "Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources", ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
	!style="color: gray;" \|Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981.</ref>		!style="color: gray;" \|Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981.</ref>
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	\|-		\|-
	\| 2nd		\| 2nd
	\|style="color: gray;" \| η1 CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \| η<sup>1</sup> CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \| η1 CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \| η<sup>1</sup> CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \| HIP 93371		\|style="color: gray;" \| HIP 93371
	\| style="color: gray;" \| γ CrA		\| style="color: gray;" \| γ CrA
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	\|style="color: gray;" \|ε CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \|ε CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \|δ CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \|δ CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \|η2 CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \|η<sup>2</sup> CrA
	\|η1 CrA		\|η<sup>1</sup> CrA
	\|η1 CrA		\|η<sup>1</sup> CrA
	\|-		\|-
	\|9th		\|9th

ASEtech: infobox

2026-08-19T06:58:34Z

infobox

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
-----{{Infobox constellation
+----
 | name = Bie (鳖)
 | native = 鳖
@@ Line 28: / Line 55: @@
 | cat = constellation
 }}
 Biē (鳖, River Turtle) is a traditional Chinese asterism belonging to the ''[[Nandou|Dou]]'' (Dipper) lunar mansion. Among the Three Schools of ancient Chinese astronomy, it is classified as an external constellation of the Shi School (石氏). The asterism consists of 14 stars located to the south of the [[Nandou|Southern Dipper]].

Sushoff at 12:24, 16 August 2026

2026-08-16T12:24:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 16 August 2026
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	[[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]		[[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]
	[[Category:Chinese ]]		[[Category:Chinese ]]
	[[Category:CrA]]		[[Category:CrA]][[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

HaochengLyu: Removed duplicate sentences

2026-08-10T00:35:22Z

Removed duplicate sentences

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:35, 10 August 2026
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	Biē (鳖, River Turtle) is a traditional Chinese asterism belonging to the ''[[Nandou\|Dou]]'' (Dipper) lunar mansion. Among the Three Schools of ancient Chinese astronomy, it is classified as an external constellation of the Shi School (石氏). The asterism consists of 14 stars located to the south of the [[Nandou\|Southern Dipper]].		Biē (鳖, River Turtle) is a traditional Chinese asterism belonging to the ''[[Nandou\|Dou]]'' (Dipper) lunar mansion. Among the Three Schools of ancient Chinese astronomy, it is classified as an external constellation of the Shi School (石氏). The asterism consists of 14 stars located to the south of the [[Nandou\|Southern Dipper]].

	The ''Bu Tian Ge'' (步天歌 / ''Song of the Sky Pacers'') describes it as follows: "Below the [[Nandou\|Dipper]], fourteen stars are arranged in a circle; though named Bie, their form is like that of the [[Guansuo]] asterism" ~~— meaning that although the asterism is named after the soft-shelled turtle, its stars are arranged in a circular pattern resembling the ''[[Guansuo]]'' (Coiled Thong) asterism.~~ In modern constellation boundaries, Bie lies within [[Corona Australis]] (the Southern Crown).		The ''Bu Tian Ge'' (步天歌 / ''Song of the Sky Pacers'') describes it as follows: "Below the [[Nandou\|Dipper]], fourteen stars are arranged in a circle; though named Bie, their form is like that of the [[Guansuo]] asterism." In modern constellation boundaries, Bie lies within [[Corona Australis]] (the Southern Crown).

	== Concordance, Etymology, History ==		== Concordance, Etymology, History ==

HaochengLyu at 08:35, 6 August 2026

2026-08-06T08:35:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:35, 6 August 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bie (鳖)}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bie (鳖)}}
	{{distinguish\|}}		{{distinguish\|}}

	Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}		Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
	----{{Infobox constellation		----{{Infobox constellation
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	\| numberbrightstars = 0		\| numberbrightstars = 0
	\| numbernearbystars =		\| numbernearbystars =
	\| brighteststarname = β CrA		\| brighteststarname = α CrA
	\| starmagnitude = 4.10		\| starmagnitude = 4.10
	\| neareststarname =		\| neareststarname =
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	\| cat = constellation		\| cat = constellation
	}}		}}
	[[File:Bie (River Turtle).png\|alt=Bie (River Turtle)\|thumb\|A photo of Bie (~~River Turtle~~)]]		[[File:Bie (River Turtle).png\|alt=Bie (River Turtle)\|thumb\|A photo of Bie (river turtle, soft-shelled turtle)]]
	Biē (鳖, River Turtle) is a traditional Chinese asterism belonging to the ''[[Nandou\|Dou]]'' (Dipper) lunar mansion. Among the Three Schools of ancient Chinese astronomy, it is classified as an external constellation of the Shi School (石氏). The asterism consists of 14 stars located to the south of the [[Nandou\|Southern Dipper]].		Biē (鳖, River Turtle) is a traditional Chinese asterism belonging to the ''[[Nandou\|Dou]]'' (Dipper) lunar mansion. Among the Three Schools of ancient Chinese astronomy, it is classified as an external constellation of the Shi School (石氏). The asterism consists of 14 stars located to the south of the [[Nandou\|Southern Dipper]].

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	Bie means "soft-shelled turtle", an aquatic animal. The ancients imagined this group of stars as a turtle in the heavens and accordingly endowed it with the function of "governing water."” The ''Jin Shu: Tianwen Zhi'' (晋书·天文志 / ''Treatise on Astronomy in the History of Jin'') records:<blockquote>"Bie is a water creature, belonging to Taiyin (the Great Yin)." </blockquote>In the traditional Chinese cosmological framework, Taiyin (太阴) governs water; Bie's subordination to Taiyin corresponds to its role in regulating water-related phenomena.		Bie means "soft-shelled turtle", an aquatic animal. The ancients imagined this group of stars as a turtle in the heavens and accordingly endowed it with the function of "governing water."” The ''Jin Shu: Tianwen Zhi'' (晋书·天文志 / ''Treatise on Astronomy in the History of Jin'') records:<blockquote>"Bie is a water creature, belonging to Taiyin (the Great Yin)." </blockquote>In the traditional Chinese cosmological framework, Taiyin (太阴) governs water; Bie's subordination to Taiyin corresponds to its role in regulating water-related phenomena.

	Bie is not only a celestial asterism but also carries rich symbolic meanings in ancient Chinese culture. From Neolithic jade artifacts to Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, the turtle (龟) and its close relatives, the soft-shelled turtle (鳖) and the giant soft-shelled turtle (鼋) appear across multiple dimensions of early Chinese civilization.		Bie is not only a celestial asterism but also carries rich symbolic meanings in ancient Chinese culture. From Neolithic jade artifacts to Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, the turtle (龟, Guī) and its close relatives, the soft-shelled turtle (鳖, Biē) and the giant soft-shelled turtle (鼋, Yuán) appear across multiple dimensions of early Chinese civilization.

	=== Cultural History ===		=== Cultural History ===

	==== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ====		==== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ====
	During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.<ref>Liu Yuying 刘玉莹. (2022). ''Niuheliang Yizhi Chutu Hongshan Wenhua Dongwu Zaoxing Yuqi Yanjiu'' 牛河梁遗址出土红山文化动物造型玉器研究 (The Research on Niuheliang Site Excavated Hongshan Culture Animal Modeling Jade). Master's thesis. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University.</ref><ref>Li Rongcai 李荣才 & Wang Xingjie 王兴杰. (2013). ~~“Guanyu~~ Niuheliang Hongshan Wenhua Chutu 'Yugui' huo 'Yubie' de Mingming Wenti jiqi Jiazhi de ~~Sikao”~~ 关于牛河梁红山文化出土“玉龟”或“玉鳖”的命名问题及其价值的思考 (Reflections on the Naming and Value of the ~~“Jade Turtle”~~ or ~~“Jade~~ Soft-Shelled ~~Turtle”~~ Excavated from the Hongshan Culture Site at Niuheliang). ''Liaoning Shizhuan Xuebao (Shehui Kexue Ban)'' 辽宁师专学报(社会科学版), 2013(02).</ref>		During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.<ref>Liu Yuying 刘玉莹. (2022). ''Niuheliang Yizhi Chutu Hongshan Wenhua Dongwu Zaoxing Yuqi Yanjiu'' 牛河梁遗址出土红山文化动物造型玉器研究 (The Research on Niuheliang Site Excavated Hongshan Culture Animal Modeling Jade). Master's thesis. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University.</ref><ref>Li Rongcai 李荣才 & Wang Xingjie 王兴杰. (2013). "Guanyu Niuheliang Hongshan Wenhua Chutu 'Yugui' huo 'Yubie' de Mingming Wenti jiqi Jiazhi de Sikao" 关于牛河梁红山文化出土“玉龟”或“玉鳖”的命名问题及其价值的思考 (Reflections on the Naming and Value of the "Jade Turtle" or "Jade Soft-Shelled Turtle" Excavated from the Hongshan Culture Site at Niuheliang). ''Liaoning Shizhuan Xuebao (Shehui Kexue Ban)'' 辽宁师专学报(社会科学版), 2013(02).</ref>

	==== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ====		==== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ====
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	==== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ====		==== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ====
	In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but an archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.<ref>Yuan Junjie 袁俊杰. (2006). ~~“Zuoceban~~ Tongyuan Suoji Shishi de ~~Xingzhi”~~ 作册般铜鼋所记史事的性质 (Nature of the Historical Record on the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan). ''Huaxia Kaogu'' 华夏考古, 2006(4): 39–44.</ref><ref>Li Kai 李凯. (2007). ~~“Shilun~~ Zuoceban Yuan yu Wanshang ~~Sheli”~~ 试论作册般鼋与晚商射礼 (On the Zuocheban Yuan and Late Shang Archery Rituals). ''Zhongyuan Wenwu'' 中原文物, 2007(3): 46–50.</ref><ref>Zhu Fenghan 朱凤瀚. (2005). ~~“Zuoceban~~ Yuan ~~Tanxi”~~ 作册般鼋探析 (An Analysis of the Zuocheban Yuan). ''Zhongguo Lishi Wenwu'' 中国历史文物, 2005(1): 6–10.</ref>		In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but an archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.<ref>Yuan Junjie 袁俊杰. (2006). "Zuoceban Tongyuan Suoji Shishi de Xingzhi" 作册般铜鼋所记史事的性质 (Nature of the Historical Record on the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan). ''Huaxia Kaogu'' 华夏考古, 2006(4): 39–44.</ref><ref>Li Kai 李凯. (2007). "Shilun Zuoceban Yuan yu Wanshang Sheli" 试论作册般鼋与晚商射礼 (On the Zuocheban Yuan and Late Shang Archery Rituals). ''Zhongyuan Wenwu'' 中原文物, 2007(3): 46–50.</ref><ref>Zhu Fenghan 朱凤瀚. (2005). "Zuoceban Yuan Tanxi" 作册般鼋探析 (An Analysis of the Zuocheban Yuan). ''Zhongguo Lishi Wenwu'' 中国历史文物, 2005(1): 6–10.</ref>

	==== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ====		==== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ====
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	==== Turtle Shell Divination (Plastromancy) ====		==== Turtle Shell Divination (Plastromancy) ====
			[[File:Gui and Bie in Stellarium.png\|alt=Gui and Bie in Stellarium\|thumb\|Guī (Tortoise) and Biē (River Turtle) in Stellarium]]
	Furthermore, the ancients regarded turtles (and soft-shelled turtles) as spiritual intermediaries between heaven and mortal rulers. By applying heat to turtle shells to produce cracks — forming so-called "turtle images" (''guixiang'' 龟象) — they predicted fortunes and misfortunes, giving rise to the enduring tradition of plastromancy (turtle-shell divination). Turtles have long been associated with longevity, believed to endure for a thousand years and survive countless calamities. The jade soft-shelled turtles clasped in the hands of the deceased at the Niuheliang tomb may also carry this symbolic meaning.		Furthermore, the ancients regarded turtles (and soft-shelled turtles) as spiritual intermediaries between heaven and mortal rulers. By applying heat to turtle shells to produce cracks — forming so-called "turtle images" (''guixiang'' 龟象) — they predicted fortunes and misfortunes, giving rise to the enduring tradition of plastromancy (turtle-shell divination). Turtles have long been associated with longevity, believed to endure for a thousand years and survive countless calamities. The jade soft-shelled turtles clasped in the hands of the deceased at the Niuheliang tomb may also carry this symbolic meaning.

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	\|+		\|+
	!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)		!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
	!style="color: gray;" \|Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, ~~“Ancient~~ And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>		!style="color: gray;" \|Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, "Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources", ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
	!style="color: gray;" \|Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981.</ref>		!style="color: gray;" \|Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981.</ref>
	Based on catalogue in 18th century		Based on catalogue in 18th century
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	\| style="color: gray;" \| ε CrA		\| style="color: gray;" \| ε CrA
	\| ε CrA		\| ε CrA
	\| ε CrA		\| ε CrA (determinative)
	\|-		\|-
	\| 2nd		\| 2nd
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	\|style="color: gray;" \| ζ CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \| ζ CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \| δ CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \| δ CrA
	\|style="color: gray;" \| α CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \| α CrA (determinative)
	\| style="color: gray;" \| β CrA		\| style="color: gray;" \| β CrA
	\| β CrA		\| β CrA
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	\|style="color: gray;" \|HIP 92953		\|style="color: gray;" \|HIP 92953
	\|style="color: gray;" \|θ CrA		\|style="color: gray;" \|θ CrA
	\|θ CrA		\|θ CrA (determinative)
	\|θ CrA		\|θ CrA
	\|-		\|-
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	== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==		== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
	In 2026, the name of the historical constellation "Bie" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. ...		In 2026, the name of the historical constellation "Bie" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. The star θ CrA was recommended, as it is the historical determinative star of the asterism.

	Decision: ...		Decision: ...

Sushoff at 08:08, 3 August 2026

2026-08-03T08:08:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 3 August 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bie (鳖)}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bie (鳖)}}

	{{distinguish\|}}		{{distinguish\|}}

	Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}		Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
	----{{Infobox constellation		----{{Infobox constellation

Sushoff: /* Concordance, Etymology, History */

2026-08-03T08:07:52Z

Concordance, Etymology, History

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:07, 3 August 2026
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	Bie is not only a celestial asterism but also carries rich symbolic meanings in ancient Chinese culture. From Neolithic jade artifacts to Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, the turtle (龟) and its close relatives, the soft-shelled turtle (鳖) and the giant soft-shelled turtle (鼋) appear across multiple dimensions of early Chinese civilization.		Bie is not only a celestial asterism but also carries rich symbolic meanings in ancient Chinese culture. From Neolithic jade artifacts to Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, the turtle (龟) and its close relatives, the soft-shelled turtle (鳖) and the giant soft-shelled turtle (鼋) appear across multiple dimensions of early Chinese civilization.

	=== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ===		=== Cultural History ===

			==== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ====
	During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.<ref>Liu Yuying 刘玉莹. (2022). ''Niuheliang Yizhi Chutu Hongshan Wenhua Dongwu Zaoxing Yuqi Yanjiu'' 牛河梁遗址出土红山文化动物造型玉器研究 (The Research on Niuheliang Site Excavated Hongshan Culture Animal Modeling Jade). Master's thesis. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University.</ref><ref>Li Rongcai 李荣才 & Wang Xingjie 王兴杰. (2013). “Guanyu Niuheliang Hongshan Wenhua Chutu 'Yugui' huo 'Yubie' de Mingming Wenti jiqi Jiazhi de Sikao” 关于牛河梁红山文化出土“玉龟”或“玉鳖”的命名问题及其价值的思考 (Reflections on the Naming and Value of the “Jade Turtle” or “Jade Soft-Shelled Turtle” Excavated from the Hongshan Culture Site at Niuheliang). ''Liaoning Shizhuan Xuebao (Shehui Kexue Ban)'' 辽宁师专学报(社会科学版), 2013(02).</ref>		During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.<ref>Liu Yuying 刘玉莹. (2022). ''Niuheliang Yizhi Chutu Hongshan Wenhua Dongwu Zaoxing Yuqi Yanjiu'' 牛河梁遗址出土红山文化动物造型玉器研究 (The Research on Niuheliang Site Excavated Hongshan Culture Animal Modeling Jade). Master's thesis. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University.</ref><ref>Li Rongcai 李荣才 & Wang Xingjie 王兴杰. (2013). “Guanyu Niuheliang Hongshan Wenhua Chutu 'Yugui' huo 'Yubie' de Mingming Wenti jiqi Jiazhi de Sikao” 关于牛河梁红山文化出土“玉龟”或“玉鳖”的命名问题及其价值的思考 (Reflections on the Naming and Value of the “Jade Turtle” or “Jade Soft-Shelled Turtle” Excavated from the Hongshan Culture Site at Niuheliang). ''Liaoning Shizhuan Xuebao (Shehui Kexue Ban)'' 辽宁师专学报(社会科学版), 2013(02).</ref>

	=== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ===		==== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ====
	At the Shang dynasty site of Yinxu in Anyang, the tomb of Fu Hao (妇好, c. 1200 BC), consort of King Wu Ding (武丁, r. c. 1250–1192 BC) and the first historically attested female general in Chinese history, yielded a large number of jade soft-shelled turtles. The tomb also contained stone turtles and turtle-shaped jade carving knives. Jade soft-shelled turtles in the Shang period were regarded as important symbols of religious and political authority, continuing the Neolithic tradition of using turtle-shaped jades for spiritual and ritual purposes.		At the Shang dynasty site of Yinxu in Anyang, the tomb of Fu Hao (妇好, c. 1200 BC), consort of King Wu Ding (武丁, r. c. 1250–1192 BC) and the first historically attested female general in Chinese history, yielded a large number of jade soft-shelled turtles. The tomb also contained stone turtles and turtle-shaped jade carving knives. Jade soft-shelled turtles in the Shang period were regarded as important symbols of religious and political authority, continuing the Neolithic tradition of using turtle-shaped jades for spiritual and ritual purposes.

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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	=== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ===		==== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ====
			In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but an archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.<ref>Yuan Junjie 袁俊杰. (2006). “Zuoceban Tongyuan Suoji Shishi de Xingzhi” 作册般铜鼋所记史事的性质 (Nature of the Historical Record on the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan). ''Huaxia Kaogu'' 华夏考古, 2006(4): 39–44.</ref><ref>Li Kai 李凯. (2007). “Shilun Zuoceban Yuan yu Wanshang Sheli” 试论作册般鼋与晚商射礼 (On the Zuocheban Yuan and Late Shang Archery Rituals). ''Zhongyuan Wenwu'' 中原文物, 2007(3): 46–50.</ref><ref>Zhu Fenghan 朱凤瀚. (2005). “Zuoceban Yuan Tanxi” 作册般鼋探析 (An Analysis of the Zuocheban Yuan). ''Zhongguo Lishi Wenwu'' 中国历史文物, 2005(1): 6–10.</ref>
	In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but a archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.<ref>Yuan Junjie 袁俊杰. (2006). “Zuoceban Tongyuan Suoji Shishi de Xingzhi” 作册般铜鼋所记史事的性质 (Nature of the Historical Record on the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan). ''Huaxia Kaogu'' 华夏考古, 2006(4): 39–44.</ref><ref>Li Kai 李凯. (2007). “Shilun Zuoceban Yuan yu Wanshang Sheli” 试论作册般鼋与晚商射礼 (On the Zuocheban Yuan and Late Shang Archery Rituals). ''Zhongyuan Wenwu'' 中原文物, 2007(3): 46–50.</ref><ref>Zhu Fenghan 朱凤瀚. (2005). “Zuoceban Yuan Tanxi” 作册般鼋探析 (An Analysis of the Zuocheban Yuan). ''Zhongguo Lishi Wenwu'' 中国历史文物, 2005(1): 6–10.</ref>

	=== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ===		==== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ====
	In Chinese creation mythology, the turtle also holds an important place. In the legend of "Nüwa Mends the Sky" (女娲补天), after Nüwa melted five-colored stones to repair the heavens, she cut off the four legs of a giant turtle and used them as pillars to support the four corners of the earth. In this myth, the turtle's legs become the four poles ~~holding~~ up the cosmos, giving this aquatic animal a cosmological significance akin to that of a cosmic pillar.		In Chinese creation mythology, the turtle also holds an important place. In the legend of "Nüwa Mends the Sky" (女娲补天), after Nüwa melted five-colored stones to repair the heavens, she cut off the four legs of a giant turtle and used them as pillars to support the four corners of the earth. In this myth, the turtle's legs become the four poles that hold up the cosmos, giving this aquatic animal cosmological significance akin to that of a cosmic pillar.

	=== Turtle Shell Divination (Plastromancy) ===		==== Turtle Shell Divination (Plastromancy) ====
	Furthermore, the ancients regarded turtles (and soft-shelled turtles) as spiritual intermediaries between heaven and mortal rulers. By applying heat to turtle shells to produce cracks — forming so-called "turtle images" (''guixiang'' 龟象) — they predicted fortunes and misfortunes, giving rise to the enduring tradition of plastromancy (turtle-shell divination). Turtles have long been associated with longevity, believed to endure for a thousand years and survive countless calamities. The jade soft-shelled turtles clasped in the hands of the deceased at the Niuheliang tomb may also carry this symbolic meaning.		Furthermore, the ancients regarded turtles (and soft-shelled turtles) as spiritual intermediaries between heaven and mortal rulers. By applying heat to turtle shells to produce cracks — forming so-called "turtle images" (''guixiang'' 龟象) — they predicted fortunes and misfortunes, giving rise to the enduring tradition of plastromancy (turtle-shell divination). Turtles have long been associated with longevity, believed to endure for a thousand years and survive countless calamities. The jade soft-shelled turtles clasped in the hands of the deceased at the Niuheliang tomb may also carry this symbolic meaning.

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	[[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]		[[Category:Eurasia]][[Category:Asian]][[Category:East Asian]]
	[[Category:Chinese ]]		[[Category:Chinese ]]
	[[Category: ]]		[[Category:CrA]]

HaochengLyu: Added references

2026-08-03T01:40:22Z

Added references

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:40, 3 August 2026
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	=== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ===		=== Hongshan Culture Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles ===
	During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.		During the late Hongshan culture (c. 5300–5000 BP), jade soft-shelled turtles (or turtles) had already become important burial goods in high-status tombs. Two jade soft-shelled turtles were excavated from Tomb No. 1 at Mound No. 1 of Locality V at the Niuheliang site (N5Z1M1), placed respectively in the left and right hands of the occupant. The occupant was an elderly male buried in one of the largest central tombs of the Hongshan culture. The artifacts are yellowish-green in color, with a nearly triangular head and a smooth back lacking the patterned ridges typical of turtle shells. Scholars believe the occupant was a high-ranking shaman, and the jade soft-shelled turtles were ritual implements used for communicating with spirits, reflecting the "jade-only burial" tradition of the late Hongshan culture.<ref>Liu Yuying 刘玉莹. (2022). ''Niuheliang Yizhi Chutu Hongshan Wenhua Dongwu Zaoxing Yuqi Yanjiu'' 牛河梁遗址出土红山文化动物造型玉器研究 (The Research on Niuheliang Site Excavated Hongshan Culture Animal Modeling Jade). Master's thesis. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia University.</ref><ref>Li Rongcai 李荣才 & Wang Xingjie 王兴杰. (2013). “Guanyu Niuheliang Hongshan Wenhua Chutu 'Yugui' huo 'Yubie' de Mingming Wenti jiqi Jiazhi de Sikao” 关于牛河梁红山文化出土“玉龟”或“玉鳖”的命名问题及其价值的思考 (Reflections on the Naming and Value of the “Jade Turtle” or “Jade Soft-Shelled Turtle” Excavated from the Hongshan Culture Site at Niuheliang). ''Liaoning Shizhuan Xuebao (Shehui Kexue Ban)'' 辽宁师专学报(社会科学版), 2013(02).</ref>

	=== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ===		=== Shang Dynasty Jade Soft-Shelled Turtles from Fu Hao's Tomb ===
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	=== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ===		=== The Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (作册般铜鼋) ===

	In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but a archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.		In 2003, the National Museum of China acquired a uniquely shaped late Shang bronze vessel — the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan (actually a soft-shelled turtle). The vessel is shaped like a giant soft-shelled turtle (''yuan''), with head extended, tail slightly turned to the left, and four limbs exposed. Four arrowheads are embedded in the left shoulder and carapace. A 33-character inscription on the carapace records that on the ''bingshen'' day, the Shang king went to the Huan River (洹水) to shoot turtles. The king shot one arrow, and his scribe Zuoce Ban shot three arrows in assistance — all four struck their target. The king awarded the captured turtle to Zuoce Ban and ordered him to commemorate the event on a ritual vessel. Scholars such as Yuan Junjie and Li Kai argue that this event was not ordinary hunting but a archery ritual (''sheli'' 射礼), and that the waterborne archery rituals later performed at the Western Zhou Biyong (辟雍) pool likely originated from the late Shang waterborne archery rituals on the Huan River.<ref>Yuan Junjie 袁俊杰. (2006). “Zuoceban Tongyuan Suoji Shishi de Xingzhi” 作册般铜鼋所记史事的性质 (Nature of the Historical Record on the Zuocheban Bronze Yuan). ''Huaxia Kaogu'' 华夏考古, 2006(4): 39–44.</ref><ref>Li Kai 李凯. (2007). “Shilun Zuoceban Yuan yu Wanshang Sheli” 试论作册般鼋与晚商射礼 (On the Zuocheban Yuan and Late Shang Archery Rituals). ''Zhongyuan Wenwu'' 中原文物, 2007(3): 46–50.</ref><ref>Zhu Fenghan 朱凤瀚. (2005). “Zuoceban Yuan Tanxi” 作册般鼋探析 (An Analysis of the Zuocheban Yuan). ''Zhongguo Lishi Wenwu'' 中国历史文物, 2005(1): 6–10.</ref>

	=== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ===		=== The Turtle in Chinese Creation Mythology ===

HaochengLyu: Added star charts

2026-08-02T16:11:48Z

Added star charts

Show changes