The Function and Characteristics of Monuments

（1） Monumental
Wu Hong's discussion of monumentality has brought this concept into the vision of the Sinology community. Wu Hong said during his discussion on monumentality:
In my discussion, "monumentality" (defined as "the state and connotation of commemoration" in the New Webster International English Dictionary) refers to the function and duration of a monument; But even after losing this function and educational significance, a 'monument' can still exist in a material sense. The relationship between "monumentality" and "monument" is therefore similar to the connection between "content" and "form". From this, it can be considered that only a monument with a clear "commemorative" nature is a monument with content and function. Therefore, "monumentality" is related to memory, continuity, and political, racial, or religious doctrines. The specific connotation of "monumentality" determines the social, political, and ideological significance of monuments in various aspects There is no such thing as a standardized "Chinese monument" in our country, in other words, my discussion on the different concepts and historical connections of monumentality can help me determine the diversity of ancient Chinese monuments So two histories emerged - "monumental history" and "monumental history" - integrated into a unified narrative. [6]
（2） Publicity
In the book "History of Architectural Types" by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, national monuments and genius monuments are first discussed as architectural forms. For most Westerners, the history of architecture begins with pyramids and monumental tombs.
In a secular and social sense, commemorative buildings built for the deceased are not only for the deceased, but also to meet the needs of the living (especially those with power). As far as the pyramids, triumphal arch, Ji Gongzhu, Panthéon, memorial halls, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, and Wu Zetian's tomb are concerned, their construction cost a lot of collective labor. By giving honor to the outstanding figures and heroes who built the foundation for them, they provided the rulers with legitimate proof of their ruling power, By promising that what has been established in the past will not become a victim of the passage of time, we help maintain our rule. Usually, cemeteries and monuments are also places for ceremonies, an altar that gathers the public around it, seemingly gathered around a god and fate, but actually gathered around buildings and the ruling forces in charge. Through the ceremony, at different levels of religion and secular life, the public is centered around the tomb and monument, forming a national, social, urban, or group spirit The cultural Centripetal force strengthens the thoughts, beliefs and values of a certain era. So, a monument or building with a monumental nature must always bear the function of preserving memory and constructing history, always striving to make a certain character, event, or system immortal.
Another phenomenon that deserves our attention is that sculptures, especially those located in public spaces, have more artistic non practicality, and they also have a monumental nature in tradition. Rosalyn Klaus wrote in the article New Experience and New Promise of Postmodernism Sculpture: "Sculpture has traditionally been seen in the logic of monuments. As the symbol of a sacrificial site, it is sacred and secular. Its form is concrete (not human or animal) Or abstract or symbolic. In terms of its functional logic, it is generally required to be independent of the environment, have a base perpendicular to the ground, and be easy to identify. As a reality, there are many sculpture works that people can effortlessly recognize, name them, and cite their significance Usually, in commemorative architecture, sculpture and buildings have a natural affinity. Together, they construct the spiritual living space of humanity, and their timeless materials, diverse forms, and profound connotations have a continuous impact on a nation's history and civilization.