The Diaries of the Song Dynasty: The Development and Flourishing of the Diary Genre in Ancient China

Abstract

The diary, as a narrative literary form organized by daily entries, has a long history in ancient China. Its earliest origins can be traced back to the ancient practice of “knot recording.” The oracle bones of the Yin Ruins also contain records of the daily affairs of our ancestors. The early forms of diaries began to appear in the annals and historical records of the pre-Qin period, showing the embryonic form of date-based documentation. In the Xin Xu (New Preface) by Liu Xiang of the Western Han Dynasty, there is a saying, “Record the errors of the ruler and make daily entries.” However, this concept of “daily entries” merely pertains to the official duties of historiographers and is a method of recording events. It does not possess the literary characteristics of a diary in the true sense. Based on existing literature, the diary genre underwent several developmental stages. Li Ao’s Lai Nan Lu (The Record of Coming to the South) in the Tang Dynasty marked its inception, followed by Zhao Bian’s Yu Shi Bei Guan Ri Ji (The Imperial Examination Officer’s Diary) in the Song Dynasty, the first work to adopt the term “diary.” The genre was further established by He Fuzheng’s Wen Zhang Bian Ti Hui Xuan (The Selected Compilation of Prose Styles and Types) in the Ming Dynasty, and by the Qing Dynasty, it had developed into a grand spectacle. Its vitality remains unabated to this day, embraced by scholars and laymen alike, covering everything from profound thoughts to worldly affairs. Therefore, its complexity and comprehensiveness cannot be overlooked. The Song Dynasty, in particular, marks a significant period in the development of the diary literary form, characterized by an abundance of high-quality diary writings that reflect the Song people’s vibrant enthusiasm for diary literature. Nevertheless, owing to the unconventional and peripheral characteristics of the diary genre, the academic community has focused more on its value as a source of historical documentation, rather than exploring it theoretically as a literary form, especially with regards to Song Dynasty diaries. In this academic context, examining these diaries from a literary perspective not only deepens our understanding of diary composition but also unveils the distinct charm of Song Dynasty literature.