First proposed by Song Luo of Qing Dynasty and promoted by celebrities like Weng Fanggang and Bi Yuan, the gathering and responsorial activities in commemoration of Su Shi's birthday in Qing Dynasty was a significant cultural phenomenon which turned into a nationwide ritual during the years of Qian Long Emperor and Jia Qing Emperor. Such popularity was closely connected with the personal attitudes of the organizers and participants, as well as with the social cultural backgrounds. Firstly, these people worshipped Su Shi since their childhood. This worship developed into an affectionate bond with Su Shi and his works because of Shi Zu Su Shi when they served as government officials.. Secondly, to correct Ming poets' statement that ″authentic poetry started from Tang,″ some Qing poets gradually shifted their eyes to Song poetry, which, to some extent, gave impetus to the commemoration of Su Shi. However, the switch to Song poetry was not the primary impetus as there were lots of Qing poets who did not favor Song poetry but respected Su Shi. Lastly, in the subtle political background in Qing Dynasty, commemorating prominent scholars of the past generations became an important channel for intellectuals to express themselves. To hold this special commemoration, on the one hand, the organizers should have considerable influence in the literary circle and have sufficient economic power to sponsor it; On the other hand, the objects of worship should have strong charisma to satisfy the spiritual needs of intellectuals. In consistence with the standard of ″deep insight into human beings and reflection on the society,″ the worshipped person must meet the double requirements of great literary talent and morality and. Su Shi was the perfect idol in whom the Qing poets reposed their ideals and hopes. Owing to this, the image of Su Shi in the artworks presented during the commemoration was stereotyped as wearing a bamboo hat and geta, graceful and at ease, mirroring the optimistic, elegant, and unrestrained side of intellectuals when they were away from the political arena. Although there were several commemorations in honor of Bai Juyi, Ouyang Xiu, Huang Tingjian, their scales, influences and duration could not compare with the commemoration of Su Shi. Furthermore, the commemoration of Su Shi was introduced to Japan by Changwei Yushan, a Japanese artist, which was recorded in Collection of the Gathering and Responsorial Activities in Commemoration of Su Shi.
孙敏强 霍东晓. 试论清代诗人寿苏雅集及其文化心理[J]. 浙江大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2018, 4(3): 193-.
Sun Minqiang Huo Dongxiao. A Study on the Gathering and Responsorial Activities in Commemoration of Su Shi's Birthday Conducted by Qing Poets and Their Cultural Psychology. JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 2018, 4(3): 193-.