寶傳 #09         客家麒麟的儒家思想

是次帖文嘗試剖析麒麟所負載的儒家哲學內涵︰

「麒麟送子」象徵孔子的誕生。孔子並非麒麟本身，而是如麒麟般具備仁義、品德高尚、才智出眾、文武兼備的特質，因此成為萬世師表，為後世所敬仰。傳說孔子因麒麟而生，亦隨麒麟而去。

「麒麟吐玉書」象徵孔子獲得天書啟迪後，埋首苦讀、勤於鑽研，最終學有所成。他周遊列國、教學相長，以豐富的人生閱歷鑄就其名傳千古的至聖先師地位。

儒家思想強調知書識禮，而麒麟亦被視為通曉禮儀的象徵。舞麒麟時，麒麟會識字讀對聯，無論在家居門前或祠堂，每當麒麟參拜，都會由右至左逐字誦讀。當麒麟舞進祠堂、穿過屏風完成參拜後，會屈身原路倒退，恭敬、謙遜地退出，以示對神靈與祖先的尊重。

麒麟文武雙全，懂禮儀規矩，以仁義之心待人。舞麒麟時的互動、比禮與回禮，是整個儀式的重要環節。所謂「文無第一、武無第二」，麒麟威武雄壯、英氣逼人，但同時懂得互相尊重、不爭不鬥、以和為貴。舞麒麟象徵五湖四海皆能包容相待，四海之內皆兄弟，以回禮相扣手，英雄惜英雄，寓意「麒麟天下是一家」。

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喜慶開心麒麟

麒麟識字讀對聯

Treasure#09 The Confucian philosophy of the Hakka Unicorn

This post attempts to analyze the Confucian philosophical meaning carried by the unicorn:

• “Unicorn brings a child” symbolizes the birth of Confucius. Confucius was not the unicorn itself, but like the unicorn he embodied benevolence, righteousness, noble character, outstanding wisdom, and mastery of both civil and martial virtues. Because of these qualities, he became the teacher for all ages, revered by generations. Legend says Confucius was born because of the unicorn and departed with the unicorn as well.

• “Unicorn spits out the jade book” symbolizes Confucius receiving divine inspiration from the heavenly text, after which he devoted himself to study and diligent research, eventually achieving great learning. He travelled across states, teaching and learning, and through his rich life experiences forged his status as the “Supreme Sage and Teacher” whose name endures through the ages.

• Confucian thought emphasizes being well-read and courteous, and the unicorn is also regarded as a symbol of understanding etiquette. In unicorn dances, the unicorn can recognize characters and read couplets. Whether at a household entrance or ancestral hall, whenever the unicorn pays respect, it recites word by word from right to left. After the unicorn enters the ancestral hall, passes through the screen, and completes its worship, it bows and retreats backward along the same path, humbly and respectfully withdrawing to show reverence to the spirits and ancestors.

• The unicorn is accomplished in both civil and martial virtues, knows rules of etiquette, and treats people with benevolence and righteousness. In the unicorn dance, the interactions of offering and returning salutes are key parts of the ritual. The unicorn is majestic, powerful, and heroic, yet it also understands mutual respect, avoids conflict, and values harmony. The unicorn dance symbolizes inclusiveness across all regions. By exchanging salutes and clasping hands, heroes honor heroes, conveying the meaning that “under heaven, the unicorn makes all one family.”

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