The Chinese Trigrams in Micronesia
Lessa, William A. (October 1969). "The Chinese Trigrams in Micronesia". The Journal of American Folklore. 82 (326): 353. doi:10.2307/539780. ISSN 0021-8715.
- Has attachment: File:DMD9NH84.pdf
Abstract: “The Chinese Trigrams in Micronesia” by William A. Lessa, published in The Journal of American Folklore, explores the intriguing presence and use of Chinese trigrams, particularly their integration into the divination practices of Micronesia, especially the Caroline Islands. The study focuses on a method of divination known as bwe, which employs knotted palm leaflets. This method shows a striking similarity in methodology and permutations to the ancient Chinese practice of i pu, which is the basis for the I Ching or Book of Changes, a significant text in Chinese literature.
The I Ching is noted for its complexity and philosophical depth, which stands in contrast to the simpler, preliterate society of Micronesia, where bwe is practiced. Despite this difference, the Micronesian method retains the complex methodology of the Chinese original, suggesting a cultural borrowing from China to Micronesia. The similarities in the systems, albeit with some adaptations due to cultural and temporal factors, underscore an example of cultural diffusion of specific traits from China into the South Pacific.
Furthermore, the article highlights how the trigrams exhibit complex symbolization, making them cryptic and challenging for many intellectuals. Yet, their comparison comes not from these symbolizations but from the methodologies through which hexagrams are constructed, with the Chinese method described in the appendices of the I Ching. This blend of simplicity in society and complexity in divination underscores the “trout in the milk” metaphor used by Lessa to indicate the sophistication of bwe in a simplistic cultural setting, proving the cultural intrusion indisputable.
Extra details:
MAG: 2335478611 OpenAlex: W2335478611 CorpusID: 164167211
