The Creation Narratives in the Dunhuang Manuscripts and the Construction of a Sense of Community Among the Chinese Nation: Focusing on The Annals of Emperors Since the Creation of Heaven and Earth

Abstract

The Dunhuang Library Cave has unearthed many folk historical manuscripts. The Chronicles of Emperors Since the Creation of Heaven and Earth is one example, and it records a full genealogy from cosmic origins to imperial succession through stories that ordinary people can understand. These texts are key materials for understanding medieval social history and cultural identity in northwestern China. We use four core manuscript copies as primary sources. Then we examine the textual structure and cultural integration, and we also look at how identity is formed in these texts. It is worth noting that folk creation narratives can shape collective identity when multi-ethnic groups converge in region. We find that Dunhuang's folk historical narratives can be traced back to the lineage of Chinese sage-kings. At the same time, they incorporate Buddhist cosmological concepts and Taoist elements, together with regional cultural characteristics of the northwest. This creates a cultural identity model. It combines Central Plains centripetal force with multi-ethnic inclusiveness, and it can sustain the sense of Chinese unity in multicultural context. Historical memory practices in Dunhuang's grassroots society can show that consciousness of Chinese national community has deep historical roots. Its development trajectory and integration mechanisms can offer insights. We can use these to strengthen awareness in contemporary times.