FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FA CHARACTER IN CHINESE CULTURE

Abstract

The paper analyzes the process of formation and development of Chinese character 法 which forms fundamental category of traditional law. Since ancient times, the law has been responsible for the regulation of social relations. It played an important role in shaping the legal culture of the state. The origins of European law are rooted in the legal and political teachings of ancient civilization. Traditional law has long played a prominent role in the life of the state and society in China. The functions of the law were in the methods of government and in the system of punishments. One of the most important features of Chinese culture is that it is closely related to the history of writing. Pictograms are the basis of Chinese characters writing. They originate in the archaic art of ancient China. Ancient signs are one of the main sources of information about ancient Chinese writing. The author analyzes the original image of this character, which was found on the ritual bronze vessel of the Western Zhou dynasty. It includes three main parts. The most interesting is the character of zhi (廌 ), which is translated as “a magic animal”. According to Chinese mythology, it is portrayed as a companion of the judge Gao Yao. It is also a symbol of justice.