《九歌·东皇太一》篇题解

作为《九歌》中的第一篇，《东皇太一》所祭祀的对象--东皇太一应为楚国神祀系统中的元始天神，高于其他一切神祗。结合先秦传世文献和近年来出土文献的记载，“太一”其实是一个被神化的概念，他超越于天地，居于北方，能生水并藏于水，是至高无上的天神。而“东皇”之名与楚国祭祀的方位、氏族发展源流及择日有关。再联系楚国历史与屈赋文本，东皇太一实则应指楚之始祖天帝颛顼高阳氏。

Title AnalysisofEast Emperor Tai Yi inNine Songs

Donghuangtaiyi, who is worshipped inEast Emperor Tai Yi, the first article inNine Songs, should be regarded as the original god in the god worship system of Chu State and who is superior to all the other gods. According to the records from ancient times and the documents unearthed in recent years,Taiyiis a godlike concept which is beyond the heaven and the earth. It is in the north that can not only produce water but also hide itself in the water, which is the supremacy of heaven. Donghuang is closely related to the orientation of worship, the origin of the clan and the choice of date of Chu State. And in taking the history of Chu State and Qu Fu texts into consideration, Donghuangtaiyi is the ancestor of ZhuanXu Gao Yangshi in Chu State.