조선왕조실록에 나타난 의례목(儀禮木)의 종류와 상징 연구

Abstract

As part of plant folklore, this study overviews the tree life history of the time through the classification of trees in the 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty』, and discusses types and significances of the “Uiryemok(儀禮木, ritual tree)”, a certain species that reflects folk concept and religious perceptions. 74 kinds of trees are identified in the 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty』. They are used for various purposes such as rituals, daily life, construction, enjoying, etc. Among various uses, I mentioned some examples to understand their daily lives. Various tree beliefs have been developed in the Korean Peninsula because of its ecological environment combined with shamanism of the time. Especially during the Joseon Dynasty some of the species were used as a symbol to forecast the famine and plenty of the farming which are ①Giwoomok(祈雨木, a tree used to pray for rain), ②Byeoksamok(辟邪木, a tree that keeps out evil spirits), ③Gaehwamok(改火木, a tree used in ceremonies for making important fires in the country) and ④Jipyomok(指標木, a tree indicative of farm performance and weather). Firstly, Giwoomok(祈雨木) represents a willow tree and Byeoksamok(辟邪木) represents a peach tree, both used in the rain ritual. They were used as objects of worship hoping for rain and prevent bad energy. They are related to the shamanistic thinking of the time when plants were believed to have supernatural power. Secondly, Gaehwamok(改火木) was to control excessive yang(陽) energy by setting fire at the beginning of new season. Two types of Gaehwamoks that represents the season’s direction and color were rubbed to light fire. This ritual shows that the idea of harmony in yin(陰) and yang(陽) is directly related to national security. Finally, as an important symbol of farming and daily life, the Jipyomok(指標木) was used to predict weather. This allows us to understand the nature-related knowledge system of traditional people.