{"id":9,"date":"2026-02-15T10:22:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T10:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.52elong.com\/?p=9"},"modified":"2026-09-06T08:03:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T08:03:11","slug":"%e9%b2%81%e8%bf%85%e7%ac%94%e4%b8%8b%e9%97%b0%e5%9c%9f%e4%b8%8e%e8%80%81%e9%bb%84%e7%89%9b%e7%9a%84%e7%b2%be%e7%a5%9e%e5%90%8c%e6%9e%84%ef%bc%8c%e6%8f%ad%e7%a4%ba%e4%ba%86%e4%b8%ad%e5%9b%bd%e5%86%9c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.52elong.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/15\/%e9%b2%81%e8%bf%85%e7%ac%94%e4%b8%8b%e9%97%b0%e5%9c%9f%e4%b8%8e%e8%80%81%e9%bb%84%e7%89%9b%e7%9a%84%e7%b2%be%e7%a5%9e%e5%90%8c%e6%9e%84%ef%bc%8c%e6%8f%ad%e7%a4%ba%e4%ba%86%e4%b8%ad%e5%9b%bd%e5%86%9c\/","title":{"rendered":"Runtu’s Old Ox: Why is it said to be the last guardian of the spirit of Chinese farmers?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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## Runtu\u2019s Old Yellow Ox: Why Is It the Last Guardian of the Chinese Peasant Spirit?<\/p>\n

### Introduction<\/p>\n

In Lu Xun\u2019s classic work *My Old Home* (Guxiang), the figure of Runtu is deeply etched into the collective memory of the Chinese people. From the spirited youth who speared *zha* (badger-like creatures) under the moonlight to the middle-aged farmer whose edges had been worn smooth by life, his image bears a striking resemblance to the old yellow ox that toils silently in the fields. When we cast our gaze across China\u2019s vast countryside, the old yellow ox is far more than mere livestock; it has long since become a cultural icon and a spiritual symbol. So, why is Runtu\u2019s old yellow ox considered the last guardian of the Chinese peasant spirit?<\/p>\n

### I. The Old Yellow Ox: A Living Fossil of Agrarian Civilization<\/p>\n

China boasts a five-thousand-year history of agrarian civilization, and throughout these long ages, the ox has been an indispensable partner in agricultural production. From the iron-plow and ox-drawn farming of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the intensive cultivation of the Tang and Song dynasties, and the agricultural innovations of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the ox has consistently played a pivotal role. The old yellow ox has witnessed the rise, fall, and transformation of Chinese agrarian civilization; its very existence constitutes a living history of agriculture.<\/p>\n

In traditional rural society, an ox was often a family\u2019s most important asset. It was not merely a tool of production but a member of the family. A profound emotional bond developed between the farmer and the ox\u2014a relationship that transcended simple utility to become a shared existence of mutual reliance and prosperity.<\/p>\n

### II. Runtu and the Old Yellow Ox: A Spiritual Mirror<\/p>\n

The transformation of Runtu\u2014as depicted by Lu Xun\u2014from a vibrant youth into a taciturn middle-aged man serves as a microcosm of the destiny of Chinese peasants. Runtu\u2019s silence, resilience, and endurance mirror the very character traits of the old yellow ox.<\/p>\n

The most distinctive trait of the old yellow ox is its industriousness. It works from sunrise to sunset, toiling silently without asking for reward. This diligence is not passive labor but an act of active devotion. It is precisely through this spirit of industriousness that Chinese peasants have performed the miracle of feeding the world\u2019s largest population on a limited amount of land.<\/p>\n

Another characteristic of the old yellow ox is resilience. Whether in scorching heat or biting cold, on barren soil or steep hillsides, it steadfastly continued its work. This unyielding resilience mirrors the tenacious vitality that Chinese farmers have always displayed when facing natural disasters and social change.<\/p>\n

### III. The Solitude and Steadfastness of the Guardian<\/p>\n

With the acceleration of urbanization and the advancement of agricultural modernization, traditional farming methods are undergoing profound transformation. Tractors have replaced draft oxen, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have altered cultivation practices, and the younger generation has largely left the land for the cities. Against this backdrop, the traditional yellow ox has gradually faded from the stage of history.<\/p>\n

Yet, it is precisely this withdrawal that has transformed the yellow ox into the final guardian of the Chinese farmer’s spirit. What, then, does it guard?<\/p>\n

First, it guards the ethics of the land. The relationship between the yellow ox and the land is intimate and organic; its tilling does not damage the soil structure, and its manure serves as the finest fertilizer. This wisdom of living in harmony with nature is something modern mechanized agriculture needs to relearn.<\/p>\n

Second, it guards the dignity of labor. In the era of the yellow ox, labor was an activity synchronized with the rhythms of life. Spring plowing, summer weeding, autumn harvesting, and winter storing\u2014each season brought its own specific agricultural tasks. This sense of rhythm transformed labor from a mere means of earning a living into a way of life.<\/p>\n

Finally, it guards the collective memory of the community. In traditional rural communities, borrowing oxen and exchanging labor were common forms of mutual aid. A single ox often connected several households, forming a tight-knit social network. Such community bonds, rooted in mutual assistance, represent a form of social capital that is becoming increasingly scarce in modern society.<\/p>\n

### IV. The Final Vigil and Enduring Value<\/p>\n

To call the yellow ox the “final guardian” does not imply that its era has completely passed. On the contrary, its spiritual value appears even more precious in contemporary society.<\/p>\n

In the fast-paced modern world, people increasingly pursue instant gratification, whereas the yellow ox embodies the wisdom of delayed gratification. It teaches us that true harvests require the passage of time and patient waiting.<\/p>\n

In an age dominated by individualism, the yellow ox reminds us of the importance of collectivism. It was once the heart of collective production and the bond that held community mutual aid together. This spirit\u2014uniting individual destiny with the collective good\u2014holds great significance for building a harmonious society. In an era of increasingly severe environmental challenges, the traditional plowing method involving the old ox offers us valuable insights into sustainable development. Its eco-friendly approach aligns perfectly with the principles of modern ecological agriculture.<\/p>\n

### Conclusion<\/p>\n

The old ox belonging to Runtu\u2019s family\u2014a seemingly ordinary rural sight\u2014actually embodies profound cultural significance. It is far more than a mere beast of burden; it is a tangible manifestation of the spirit of Chinese farmers. As a final guardian, it watches over traditional virtues such as diligence, resilience, and selflessness; it preserves the wisdom of living in harmony with nature and safeguards the heartwarming memories of communal mutual aid.<\/p>\n

As the strategy of rural revitalization advances across the country, we must not lose sight of the spiritual values \u200b\u200brepresented by the old ox. Modernization does not entail a simple rejection of tradition; rather, it represents innovative development built upon the foundation of excellent traditions. The spirit of the old ox\u2014characterized by quiet, selfless toil; unyielding perseverance and endurance; and ecological wisdom rooted in harmony with nature\u2014should serve as a vital spiritual resource for rural revitalization in the new era.<\/p>\n

When we look back at Runtu and his old ox, we see not merely the receding figure of a bygone era, but an enduring spiritual beacon. Though its light may be faint, it is sufficient to illuminate the path ahead, reminding us not to forsake our most precious spiritual wealth as we pursue modernization. While the old ox may eventually fade from the stage of material production, the spirit it embodies will forever stand watch deep within Chinese culture, remaining an indispensable part of our nation’s spiritual home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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