The Forbidden City Was Given Its Name Because

The Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex in the heart of Beijing, stands as a testament to China's rich imperial history and architectural prowess. But have you ever wondered why this magnificent structure, once the exclusive domain of emperors and their retinues, is called the "Forbidden City"? The name itself hints at a certain mystique and exclusivity, a carefully constructed barrier between the imperial court and the outside world. The reasons behind the Forbidden City's name are deeply intertwined with the cosmological beliefs, political strategies, and social hierarchies of imperial China.

A Reflection of Celestial Order: The Pole Star and Purple Forbidden City

The most compelling explanation for the name "Forbidden City" lies in the Chinese concept of the cosmos and the emperor's divinely ordained role. The ancient Chinese believed that the heavens were structured around the Pole Star (北极星, Běijíxīng), which was considered the center of the celestial realm. Surrounding the Pole Star was the Purple Palace (紫宫, Zǐ Gōng), the abode of the celestial emperor, Tai Yi.

Earthly affairs were meant to mirror the heavens. Therefore, the emperor, seen as the "Son of Heaven" (天子, Tiānzǐ), was tasked with maintaining cosmic harmony on Earth. His palace, the Forbidden City, was conceived as the earthly counterpart of the Purple Palace. It was known as the Purple Forbidden City (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng) to emphasize this connection.

The character "紫" (zǐ), meaning purple, held special significance. In Chinese cosmology, purple was associated with the Pole Star and symbolized divinity, immortality, and imperial authority. By associating the palace with the color purple, the emperors reinforced their claim to divine legitimacy and their position as the supreme rulers of the Middle Kingdom.

The character "禁" (jìn), meaning forbidden, further underscored the exclusivity and sanctity of the imperial residence. Access to the Forbidden City was strictly controlled. Commoners, and even most officials, were barred from entering without explicit permission. This restriction was not merely a matter of security; it was a deliberate attempt to maintain the emperor's aura of mystery and power, reinforcing the notion that he was separate from and above the rest of society. The "forbidden" aspect of the name served as a constant reminder of the emperor's absolute authority and the consequences of defying it.

Finally, the character "城" (chéng), meaning city, emphasizes the sheer scale and complexity of the palace complex. The Forbidden City was not merely a single building, but a self-contained world, complete with palaces, gardens, temples, administrative offices, and living quarters for thousands of people, including eunuchs, concubines, and servants. Calling it a "city" acknowledged its importance as the center of power and administration in the empire.

Political and Social Control: Limiting Access and Maintaining Hierarchy

Beyond its cosmological connotations, the name "Forbidden City" also reflects the political and social realities of imperial China. The emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties used the palace as a tool to consolidate their power and maintain strict social hierarchies.

The limited access to the Forbidden City served several key purposes:

• Protecting the Emperor: The primary function of the Forbidden City's stringent security measures was to protect the emperor and his family from potential threats, both internal and external. Conspiracies, assassinations, and rebellions were constant concerns for the ruling dynasties. By restricting access to the palace, the emperors aimed to minimize the risk of such threats.

• Maintaining Imperial Prestige: The exclusivity of the Forbidden City contributed significantly to the emperor's image as an aloof and powerful figure. By keeping the common people at a distance, the emperors cultivated an aura of mystique and invincibility. The Forbidden City became a symbol of imperial grandeur and a visual representation of the vast gulf between the ruler and the ruled.

• Controlling Information: The Forbidden City was not just a physical barrier; it was also an information barrier. By controlling who could enter the palace, the emperors could control the flow of information both into and out of the imperial court. This allowed them to manipulate public opinion, suppress dissent, and maintain a tight grip on power.

• Enforcing Social Hierarchy: The Forbidden City was a microcosm of Chinese society, with a rigid hierarchical structure that mirrored the broader social order. The emperor was at the apex of this hierarchy, followed by his consorts, princes, high-ranking officials, eunuchs, and servants. Access to different parts of the palace was determined by one's rank and status. The "forbidden" nature of the city reinforced these distinctions and served as a constant reminder of one's place in the social order.

The eunuchs, in particular, played a crucial role in maintaining the Forbidden City's exclusivity. As the only men allowed to reside permanently within the palace walls (other than the emperor), they acted as gatekeepers, controlling access to the imperial family and managing the day-to-day operations of the palace. Their loyalty was essential to the emperor's security and the preservation of the palace's forbidden status.

Architectural Manifestation of Imperial Power: Design and Symbolism

The Forbidden City's architecture further reinforces the ideas of power, hierarchy, and cosmic order that are embedded in its name. Every aspect of the palace complex, from its layout and building materials to its colors and decorations, was carefully designed to project an image of imperial authority and reflect the emperor's unique position in the universe.

• Layout and Scale: The Forbidden City is a vast, rectangular enclosure measuring 961 meters long and 753 meters wide, encompassing an area of 72 hectares (180 acres). Its sheer size is awe-inspiring and immediately conveys a sense of imperial grandeur. The palace complex is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court, where the emperor conducted state affairs, and the Inner Court, where he lived with his family. This division reflects the separation between the emperor's public and private lives.

• Color Symbolism: The dominant colors in the Forbidden City are red and yellow, both of which held special significance in Chinese culture. Red symbolized good fortune, happiness, and prosperity, while yellow was the imperial color, reserved exclusively for the emperor and his immediate family. The roofs of the most important buildings in the Forbidden City are covered with glazed yellow tiles, signifying their imperial status.

• Numerical Significance: Numbers also played a crucial role in the Forbidden City's design. The number nine, considered the most auspicious number in Chinese numerology, is found throughout the palace complex. For example, the Forbidden City is said to have 9,999 and a half rooms, just short of the mythical 10,000 rooms of the celestial palace. This deliberate imperfection was a gesture of humility on the part of the earthly emperor, acknowledging the superiority of the celestial realm.

• Animal Symbolism: The Forbidden City is adorned with numerous animal motifs, each carrying symbolic meaning. Dragons, representing imperial power and authority, are ubiquitous. Phoenixes, symbolizing the empress, are also prominently featured. Other animals, such as lions, turtles, and cranes, represent longevity, good fortune, and auspiciousness.

The architectural design of the Forbidden City, therefore, was not merely aesthetic; it was a carefully constructed system of symbols and meanings that reinforced the emperor's authority and the palace's forbidden status.

Evolution of the Forbidden City: From Imperial Residence to Museum

Throughout its history, the Forbidden City has undergone numerous changes and transformations. From its construction in the early 15th century to its eventual conversion into a museum in the 20th century, the palace complex has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the ebb and flow of political power, and the changing fortunes of the Chinese nation.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City served as the center of imperial power for over 500 years. It was the stage for countless historical events, including coronations, imperial weddings, state banquets, and political intrigues. Emperors lived, ruled, and died within its walls, surrounded by their families, officials, and servants.

However, the Forbidden City's status as an exclusive imperial residence came to an end with the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1912. The last emperor, Puyi, was allowed to remain in the Inner Court for a time, but he was eventually expelled in 1924.

In 1925, the Forbidden City was transformed into the Palace Museum (故宫博物院, Gùgōng Bówùyuàn), opening its doors to the public for the first time. This marked a significant turning point in the palace's history, as it transitioned from a symbol of imperial exclusivity to a national treasure accessible to all.

Today, the Palace Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, attracting millions of visitors each year. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including paintings, ceramics, bronzes, jade objects, and imperial treasures. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Chinese culture and history.

Despite its transformation into a public museum, the Forbidden City retains much of its original mystique and grandeur. The name "Forbidden City" continues to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the palace's rich history and its enduring significance as a symbol of imperial China.

The Enduring Legacy of the Name

The Forbidden City was given its name because of a confluence of factors deeply embedded in Chinese cosmology, political strategy, and social hierarchy. The name "Purple Forbidden City" reflects the palace's symbolic connection to the Pole Star and the celestial emperor, while the "forbidden" aspect underscores the exclusivity and sanctity of the imperial residence. The name served to reinforce the emperor's authority, maintain social order, and control access to power and information.

Even today, long after the end of imperial rule, the name "Forbidden City" continues to resonate with meaning. It evokes a sense of history, mystery, and grandeur, reminding us of the emperors who once ruled from within its walls and the rich cultural heritage that it represents. The Forbidden City stands as a testament to the enduring power of symbols and the enduring legacy of imperial China.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is it called the Purple Forbidden City? The color purple was associated with the Pole Star, the center of the celestial realm, and symbolized divinity and imperial authority. By calling the palace the Purple Forbidden City, the emperors emphasized their divine right to rule.

• Was it really forbidden? Yes, access to the Forbidden City was strictly controlled. Commoners and most officials were not allowed to enter without explicit permission. This was to protect the emperor, maintain imperial prestige, and control information.

• How many people lived in the Forbidden City? Thousands of people lived within the Forbidden City, including the emperor, his family, eunuchs, concubines, servants, and high-ranking officials.

• Can you still visit the Forbidden City today? Yes, the Forbidden City is now the Palace Museum and is open to the public. It is a popular tourist destination in Beijing.

• What is the significance of the number 9 in the Forbidden City? The number nine is considered the most auspicious number in Chinese numerology and is found throughout the Forbidden City, symbolizing completeness and imperial power.

Conclusion

The name "Forbidden City" is far more than just a label; it is a window into the heart of imperial China. It encapsulates the cosmological beliefs, political strategies, and social hierarchies that shaped the lives of those who lived and ruled within its walls. By understanding the reasons behind the Forbidden City's name, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and enduring legacy of this magnificent palace complex. The Forbidden City remains a powerful symbol of China's imperial past, a testament to the enduring allure of power, mystery, and the enduring human quest to connect the earthly and the celestial realms.