A Concise Discussion on the Nature of Melodied Songs and the Value of Cognition of The Book of Songs

In terms of ceremony and music construction in the Zhou Dynasty, the Book of Songs showed its musicality in such ways as records of practical songs and melodies and functions in the society of the Zhou Dynasty, which presents the basis for us to understand its ideology and content. In addition, the Book of Songs recorded ancient songs and melodies of aestheic value, expressing to the fullest degree the Zhou people's self-conscious pursuit of art in composing ceremonial melodies. This is the key point by which we can re-conceive artistic accomplishments of the Book of Songs and re-evaluate the level of development of the pre-Qin poetry.