China is the most mysterious country in the east of the planet. Scientists endlessly argue about its age, the reasons for its rapid development, predicting world domination in the future. Difficulties are created by a lot: difficulties in understanding the language, confusion and unusual worldview, versatility of culture. Over a long period, the state has changed many names. Now familiar to Europeans - "China" was presented to him by Afanasy Nikitin, a Russian writer and traveler of the 15th century. According to one version, this was the name of Chinese porcelain (translated from Latin) and over time they began to call this word the country.
And why is it still talked about as "Celestial Empire"?
For hundreds of years, the people of the ancient country were reliably sheltered from the rest of the world by impregnable mountains and four seas. Only tribes from the north, living and wandering nearby, encroached on the tranquility. They were considered barbarians. The industrious Han (modern nationality of China) were engaged in agriculture. During the Bronze Age, these lands united, and the Shang kingdom arose. It was famous for its high standard of living, excellent weapons (especially bows) and rich culture.
Honoring the ancestors living in Heaven among the gods, the Chinese offered them gifts in exchange for the expected help and favor. It is not surprising that they considered the firmament not infinite, but a round disk. In their opinion, it covers only a part of the square land (exactly where the Han live). And the barbarians did not have such grace.
The neighboring Zhou people eventually conquered this territory, inheriting most of the traditions. The wise ruler Zhou-Gong managed to maintain the respect of his subjects, consolidating the cult of Heaven worship, and making his own adjustments.
The influence of ideology and philosophy on the formation of the "Celestial Empire"
With the development of Confucianism, which determines the search for harmony in human society, the veneration of Heaven only intensified. It empowers only the most worthy - the emperor with the power of power. He, in turn, is guided by justice and virtue. A gateway to the blue vaults hangs directly over the ruler's palace. This is the center of the Middle Kingdom.
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One of the names of the country consisted of two hieroglyphs "Tien" - day, sky and "Xia" - bottom, foot. Another name for China "Zhong-Guo" was translated as "Middle Empire". It meant that China is located between Heaven and an unblessed land inhabited by wild nations. Hence the importance of the head of the country, representing the heavenly will of the sacred spirits of the ancestors.
Ideology also interpreted a special scheme of statehood. Around the ruler of the country, as if in an orbit, there are higher ranks, called upon to carry out his orders. The next circle is the category of low officials. Then - the commoners. The last one is the savages of the barbarian tribes.
Despite the change of many events throughout the history of development, the amazing empire of the Han people carefully preserves its devotion to tradition. Proof of this is the magnificent Temple of Heaven in the center of the capital. Built back in the 15th century, the complex served sacred purposes. For two weeks a year, the emperor consulted within its walls with the wisest heavenly spirits.
This happened at a time when the head especially needed their help before making an important decision. The solemn ceremony was attended by all his advisors, the army and even war horses, elephants. Today, the definition of "Celestial Empire" has become much broader for modern Chinese. It means all states under the generous firmament.
And the term, poetic in sound, is often used by foreigners and has survived in literature. However, this word politely pronounced in relation to the country still causes an approving smile on the faces of residents.
