Symbolic Narration and Cultural Transmission in the Process of Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Wuling Mountain Region Dance Costumes

Abstract

There are many ethnic groups in the Wuling Mountain area. They have close ties with each other and have a strong cultural atmosphere, which has formed a cultural medium with strong influence, which can better play the role of identity construction, visual expression, cultural narrative, and so on. This paper takes these costumes as the research object, reviews a large body of literature, and analyzes the characteristics of these costumes from the perspective of semiotics. It is found that the symbolic system of these costumes is relatively perfect, and the narrative logic is relatively reasonable. In terms of cultural transmission, it faces challenges. This paper analyzes the form, color, pattern, and movement of these costumes and finds that these costumes have a three-dimensional expressive system composed of totem, body, and material symbols. The construction of this system is conducive to the formation of a dynamic narrative model, which can continuously carry forward the aesthetic connotation of the nation, maintain the order of rites and customs, and create a good historical memory. At present, the development of media and the changes in the cultural consumption environment have had a negative impact on the development of local dance costumes. The cultural context is becoming narrower, the number of transmitters is decreasing, the style of dance costumes is becoming more homogenized, and the cultural significance and sense of national cultural identity are declining. This paper puts forward the use of digital empowerment, narrative restoration, and other ways to restore the cultural context, enhance the effectiveness of digital dissemination, and make the transformation of traditional symbols more innovative.