Abstract
This study is aimed at exploring the rituals of worship and the measures and etiquette of disaster prevention based on the pre-Qin ideology of catastrophe. It explores natural disasters, practices of disaster relief, plague, personal diseases, and astronomical phenomena occurring in the pre-Qin and early Han dynasties. The first chapter concerns the literature review. This study analyzes GongyangZhuanin order to distinguish disasters from strange signs, discussing the nature and cycle of disasters occurring in the pre-Qin and early Han dynasties. The second chapter regards the rituals of worship and the practices of natural disaster prevention such as the rites held in order to calm floods and human and animal sacrifice offered during droughts. In addition, this study explains the rituals and countermeasures adopted to relieve locust plagues and fires in the pre-Qin dynasties. The third chapter is the definition and causes of ancient disasters. This study then explores how the governments in pre-Qin and the early Han dynasties implement their countermeasures of disaster prevention. The fourth chapter concerns the nature and literature review of pre-Qin plagues to discuss the damages they cause. This study then explains the rites of traditional mask dance to exorcise evil spirits and plagues. The fifth chapter regards the rituals of sorcery and witchcraft to relieve diseases. This study is aimed at comprehending the treatment of ancient physicians and the development of medical treatment in the pre-Qin dynasties. In addition, this study discusses how the naming system of ancient people helps them to avoid disease. The sixth chapter explores the issues and phenomena of solar eclipse, comet, and Jupiter. In addition, it discusses the symbolic meanings of sun crosses, explains the ancient people’s practices of cultivating a good character and preventing disasters. The seventh chapter is the conclusion.