홍익인간 이념의 역사적 지속과 민속문화의 전통

Abstract

Humanitarian ideal has historically continued until Silla Dynasty and is breathing alive as cultural tradition in the modern times. Examining this fact is an act of demonstrating existence of Sinsi (city of god) of Hwangwoong prior to Dangun Joseon and recognizing continuation of Gojoson history in our daliy lives. Humanitarian ideal practiced by Hwanwoong begins from descent of the heavenly son. Descent of a heavenly being to the ground is an embodiment of altruistic view that sacrifices one's life for the better of the other world, and it involves three practices: a) practice of ecological adaptation to the natural environment; b) practice of ethical life that guarantees abundance and health; and c) altruistic practice with the people without settling for the privilege. Such practices are materialized by shedding ideology of the Sun. Historically, humanitarian ideal was continued down from Buyeo of Haemosu, Goguryeo of Jumong, and SIlla of Park Hyeokgeose. 'Humanitarian Jaese-Ihwa (governing the world by reason)' of Hwangwoong was continued as 'bright world Gwangmyeong-Ise (governing the world with bright light)' of Silla of Park Hyeokgeose. The tradition for descent of the heavenly son is continued as Naerim-gut (shamanic rituals). As Hwanwoong descends to Sindansu Tree on Taebaeksan Mountain, gods indwell in shamanic trees of villages to possess shamans during Gut (rituals). Shamanic tree is the tradition of Sindansu Tree, and Sotdae is a new totemic tradition of Hwanwoong. Culturally, humanitarian ideal is shown in Dure (farmer groups), plays, Gut (rituals), and ceremonies: a) Dure is a joyful community of laborers where residents share jobs and work together while singing and playing Pungmul; b) folk plays intended to pray for good harvest enjoy altruistic defeat instead of being obsessed with selfish victory for prosperity of the entire community; c) shamanism serves all objects in nature, embracing all other religions rather than excluding them; and d) ceremonies focusing on feasts are the folk tradition of human liberation that remove discriminations against men and women of all ages. Humanitarian ideal is place at the opposite end of the theory of civilization and barbarism which originated in China. If the theory of civilization and barbarism represents hegemonism of China, humanitarianism is ethnic sovereignty that stands on equal terms as other ethnic groups. Therefore, it is necessary to criticize the theory of civilization and barbarism and be liberated from Western orientalism. We can play an initiative role of creating humanitarian world by actively performing technology transfer, economic support and cultural exchange with small and weak nations in the Third World.