In ancient China, the use of names was fraught with strict rules of etiquette, especially in the orderly social structure of respect and inferiority. Calling him by name, a seemingly trivial act, was seen as extremely impolite and even insulting at the time. Behind this is a deep cultural tradition and respect for etiquette.
The names of the ancients usually consisted of three parts: the surname, the first name, and the first name. A family name is a common symbol of the family, a family name represents a branch of the family, and a given name is a unique identifier for an individual. In addition to this, there is also a special name - the word. The use of words is rich in meaning, often given to a person when he or she reaches adulthood, marking the completion of the rites of passage and symbolizing an important transition from adolescence to adulthood.
For example, the great Chu poet Qu Yuan, whose name is his name"Original"and words"Ping", meaning expansive and peaceful;The famous Three Kingdoms strategist Zhuge Liang, name"Bright"word"Kong Ming", all reflecting wisdom and light. Such naming traditions are not only an expectation of personal qualities, but also a symbol of family and social status.
In such a cultural context, calling someone by their first name is not only disrespectful to the individual, but also offensive to the entire family and even the social order, which is why in ancient times, calling someone by their first name was considered a serious impolite act.
In exploring the importance and norms of use of names in ancient China, we found that names are not only a symbol of personal identity, but also a manifestation of culture and etiquette. In ancient society, the names of peers or superiors and subordinates were extremely particular and commonly used"word"Not"First name", which reflects respect for the other party and observance of etiquette. The use of a name is closely related to social hierarchy and relationships, and it represents not only the individual, but also the family and social status.
Behind the story
In ancient times, calling someone by their first name was seen as a violation of dignity, especially when referring to a monarch, parent, or teacher. This cultural norm stems from a deep understanding of authority and respect. For example, if the emperor is called by his first name in a public document, it is not only a great disrespect to the emperor, but it may also be seen as a challenge to the state system. In this context, avoidance has become a common social habit, and people are always careful not to violate taboos when referring to others.
This reverence for names is especially evident in the texts, and according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, if the name of a member of the royal family is accidentally mentioned in the cantata, it can be severely punished. This punishment is not limited to the legal level, but also reflects the social ** and moral evaluation. Such strict requirements reflect the importance that ancient society attached to etiquette and respected cultural avoidance.
The story of Yang Wanli during the Song Dynasty is a stark example. Once, while he was inspecting the place, a courtesan accidentally mentioned it in a song"Thousands of miles", that is, Yang Wanli's name, which is regarded as a great disrespect to **. As a result, the geisha was thrown into prison and her fate took a tragic turn. This event not only shows respect for names, but also reflects the close connection between power and language in ancient societies.
In the Qing Dynasty, the phenomenon of ** highlighted the extreme importance attached to the avoidance of names. For example, the ** Hu Zhongzao in the Qianlong period, because he accidentally quoted and in the text"Qianlong"related words, sentenced to death. Such events, while extreme, vividly illustrate the profound influence of the culture of reverence and avoidance of names in ancient societies.
Behind the story
Through these stories, we can see that the use of names in ancient China was not only a cultural tradition, but also a social norm and legal rule. These norms shaped people's social behavior, while also reflecting the values and power structures of ancient societies. Calling them by their first names, in those days, was not only impolite, but could be a serious mistake that endangered lives.
We see how the strict norms of the ancient culture of avoidance profoundly affect people's lives. Especially in court and political settings, this culture of avoidance evolved into strict legal and social rules. Calling people by their first names is not only considered disrespectful, but it can also be a violation of the law, leading to serious consequences.
Yang Wanli's story is a striking example. When a Hundred Families Support Program courtesans inadvertently mention his name in the song"Thousands of miles", this is interpreted as a great disrespect for **. This strict avoidance of names reflects the society's respect for authority and strict control over the use of language. Yang Wanli's anger and punishment of courtesans show the extreme importance that ancient society attached to the avoidance of names.
More extreme is the Qing Dynasty's *** Hu Zhongzao citation"Qianlong"The story of being sentenced to death for related words reveals the seriousness of name avoidance at the political level. This is not only disrespectful to the individual, but also seen as a challenge to the imperial power. Such events, while rare, reflect the intricate relationships between power, language, and culture in ancient societies.
Behind the story
In ancient China, the taboo of calling oneself by name was not only a cultural phenomenon, but also an important way to maintain social order and respect others. From the story of Yang Wanli to the tragedy of Hu Zhongzao, we have seen the harsh and far-reaching influence of the ancient culture of avoidance. These stories not only show respect and avoidance of names, but also reveal ancient social power structures and cultural norms.
However, this also raises some questions worth pondering: does this reverence and avoidance of names still have a meaning in modern society?With the development of culture and the change of society, should we re-examine these traditional practices?Do ancient rituals and norms still have their educational and guiding value today?
By looking back on this period of history, we can not only understand the complexity of ancient societies more deeply, but also better understand and appreciate the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese culture in contrast. Reflection on these questions may lead us to further explore the relationship between cultural traditions and modern values.