When visiting the Palace Museum, we often see a magnificent building - the Noon Gate. The noon gate is tall and majestic, majestic, located in front of the Forbidden City, and is the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held their ceremonies. So, why is the Noon Gate called the main gate of the Forbidden City?This article will unravel this mystery for you.
1. The origin of the noon gate
The Noon Gate is the main gate of the Forbidden City, and its name is related to the ancient Yin and Yang Five Elements Doctrine. According to the theory of the five elements of yin and yang, the south belongs to fire, and the palace where the emperor lives is the seat away from the fire, so the main entrance of the palace should face south to comply with the will of heaven. The direction where the noon gate is located is due south, so it is called the "noon gate".
In addition, the location of the noon gate is also directly facing the north-south axis of the city of Beijing, which is an important principle of ancient urban planning. Therefore, the design and naming of the noon gate are related to the ancient yin and yang five elements doctrine and urban planning.
Second, the architectural style and function of the noon gate
The architectural style of the noon gate is full of strong cultural atmosphere. Its plane is in the shape of a "concave", and its appearance is magnificent and magnificent. There is a wide square in front of the door, which can accommodate hundreds of people for ceremonies or performances.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperor usually held large ceremonies at the noon gate, such as enthronement, weddings, birthdays and other important events. Therefore, the Meridian Gate is an important part of the Forbidden City and one of the representatives of ancient Chinese imperial architecture.
3. The cultural significance of the noon gate
In addition to its architectural style and practical function, the Meridian Gate is also rich in cultural significance. In Chinese culture, the South Gate is often regarded as a symbol of dignity, because the south is facing yang, and the ancients believed that yang energy is the heaviest, so the south gate also represents auspiciousness and wealth.
In addition, the Noon Gate is also regarded as one of the symbols of the Imperial Palace. In ancient China, the imperial palace was the political center and the highest authority of the state, so the noon gate also represented the authority and dignity of the state.
Fourth, the protection and inheritance of the noon gate
As one of the representatives of ancient Chinese imperial architecture, the Meridian Gate has been strictly protected and inherited. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Meridian Gate was an important part of the Forbidden City and was fully maintained and repaired. In modern times, the noon gate has also been effectively protected and inherited. The Forbidden City has been extensively protected and renovated by China, which has allowed this magnificent building to be preserved. At the same time, the Meridian Gate has also become an important cultural heritage, attracting countless tourists to visit and admire.
V. Conclusion
The main gate of the Forbidden City is called the Afternoon Gate, not only because its location is directly opposite the north-south axis of Beijing, but also because it is the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held their ceremonies, representing the authority and dignity of the country. The architectural style and cultural significance of Wumen are full of strong cultural atmosphere, and it is one of the representatives of ancient Chinese imperial architecture. By understanding the origin, architectural style, cultural significance, and preservation and inheritance of the Wumen, we can better appreciate this magnificent building and feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Autumn and Winter Check-in Challenge