The Forbidden City is the quintessence of ancient Chinese court architecture and the world's best-preserved wooden palace complex. With a history of more than 600 years, it was once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was inhabited by countless emperors, empresses, concubines, eunuchs, guards, and court maids. However, there have been many tragic stories of low-status palace maids, eunuchs, and concubines who have died unjustly, and their unjust spirits may wander in this ancient palace, making people feel eerie.
Therefore, some people think that the yin qi of the Forbidden City is too heavy, and there are always strange things happening. So, before the door opened every morning, the staff would shout three times, "Open the door, excuse me!"."On the one hand, I give myself courage, and on the other hand, I remind those unjust souls to leave quickly and don't block the gate of the Forbidden City, which is also a sign of respect for them.
In fact, this claim is just a kind of folklore and has no scientific basis. The real reason why the staff shouted three times before the Forbidden City opened was this:
1.This is a traditional ritual Xi called "entering the house to call people, entering the temple to worship God". In ancient China, it was believed that when entering someone's room or temple, one should greet them first as a sign of respect and courtesy. Similarly, when entering a royal palace such as the Forbidden City, one should first pay homage to the gods and ancestors inside. The staff shouted three times, "Open the door, excuse me!"."It's a simple and effective way.
2.There are many palace cats and other small animals in the Forbidden City, especially palace cats, which are all left by the former palace people, and they have been breeding in the Forbidden City for generations and have never left. At night, these palace cats like to hide behind the door to sleep, so in the morning when the staff opens the palace door, they must shout a few times to drive away the cats sleeping at the palace gate, so as to protect their safety.
In short, before the Forbidden City opened, the staff shouted three times, "The door is open, I'm sorry to disturb you!"."It's not about driving away ghosts, it's about following traditional etiquette and keeping animals safe. We should look at this issue with a scientific eye and not be fooled by folklore. At the same time, we should also respect and protect the historical and cultural heritage of the Forbidden City, so that they can continue to play their unique value and charm.