Why is the Forbidden City Called So?

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is one of the most iconic and historically significant sites in the world. This grand palace complex was the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese imperial government for nearly 500 years, from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. But why is it called the "Forbidden City"?

The name "Forbidden City" (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng in Chinese) carries deep historical and cultural significance. It reflects the exclusive nature of the palace, the divine authority of the emperor, and the intricate social hierarchy of ancient China. Let's explore the reasons behind this name in detail.

The Meaning of the Name

1. The Word "Forbidden" (禁, jìn):
The term "forbidden" highlights the restricted access to the palace. The Forbidden City was the residence of the emperor and his family, as well as the center of Chinese political power. Commoners were not allowed to enter the city, and even high-ranking officials could only enter certain areas with permission. This exclusivity was designed to maintain the sanctity of the emperor's residence, emphasizing the divine nature of his rule. The idea was to keep the emperor, who was considered the "Son of Heaven," isolated from the general populace to preserve his authority and mystique.

2. The Word "City" (城, chéng):
The term "city" reflects the vast size and self-contained nature of the complex. The Forbidden City covers an area of about 180 acres and consists of nearly 1,000 buildings. It was designed to be a microcosm of the emperor's universe, with everything necessary for his rule contained within its walls. The layout and architecture were meticulously planned according to traditional Chinese cosmology, emphasizing harmony and order.

3. The Word "Purple" (紫, zǐ) in the Original Chinese Name:
The full Chinese name, "Zǐjìnchéng," includes the word "purple" (紫, zǐ). In Chinese culture, purple is associated with the North Star, known as the "Purple Star" (紫微星, Zǐwēixīng), which was believed to be the celestial seat of the emperor in heaven. The Forbidden City was thus seen as the earthly counterpart of this heavenly palace, reinforcing the emperor's divine right to rule.

The Structure and Design of the Forbidden City

1. Layout and Symbolism:
The Forbidden City is laid out in a rectangular shape, with the main buildings aligned along a central axis that runs from north to south. The layout follows the principles of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing individuals with their environment. The central axis symbolizes the emperor's supreme power, with buildings and courtyards arranged in a hierarchical order.

2. Gates and Walls:
The Forbidden City is surrounded by a massive wall, 10 meters high, and a moat that is 52 meters wide. The walls have four gates, with the Meridian Gate (午门, Wǔmén) serving as the main entrance. These formidable barriers further emphasized the "forbidden" nature of the city, as they were designed to protect the emperor from any outside threats.

3. The Three Great Halls:
The most important structures in the Forbidden City are the three great halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿, Tàihédiàn), the Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿, Zhōnghédiàn), and the Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿, Bǎohédiàn). These halls were used for ceremonial purposes and are located at the heart of the Forbidden City, symbolizing the emperor's central role in the governance of the empire.

The Forbidden Nature of the City

1. Restricted Access:
Access to the Forbidden City was highly restricted. Only the emperor, his family, and a select group of officials and servants were allowed inside. Even within the city, access was further restricted by rank and position. For example, the Inner Court, where the emperor and his family lived, was off-limits to most officials. This strict control of access was meant to maintain the emperor's authority and the secrecy of court life.

2. The Emperor's Divine Status:
In traditional Chinese belief, the emperor was considered the "Son of Heaven" (天子, Tiānzǐ), a divine figure whose authority was granted by the heavens. The Forbidden City was the physical manifestation of this divine status, a sacred space where the emperor conducted rituals to maintain harmony between heaven and earth. The restricted access to the city was a reflection of the emperor's elevated status, as ordinary people were not allowed to come into contact with such a sacred figure.

3. The Role of the Eunuchs:
Eunuchs played a significant role in the operation of the Forbidden City. As castrated men, they were seen as trustworthy servants who posed no threat to the emperor's harem. They were responsible for various duties within the palace, including the management of daily affairs and serving the emperor directly. The presence of eunuchs further reinforced the forbidden nature of the city, as they acted as gatekeepers, controlling access to the emperor.

The Legacy of the Forbidden City

1. A Symbol of Imperial Power:
The Forbidden City remains a powerful symbol of China's imperial past. It represents the grandeur and authority of the emperors who ruled China for centuries. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its architecture and learn about its history.

2. Preservation and Restoration:
Over the centuries, the Forbidden City has undergone numerous restorations and renovations to preserve its original structure and appearance. The Chinese government has invested heavily in its maintenance, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. These efforts have ensured that the Forbidden City remains a living testament to China's rich imperial history.

3. Influence on Chinese Architecture:
The design and layout of the Forbidden City have had a lasting influence on Chinese architecture. Its principles of symmetry, hierarchy, and harmony have been emulated in various other structures throughout China, including temples, palaces, and even modern government buildings.

Conclusion

The name "Forbidden City" is a reflection of the complex's exclusive nature, its symbolic representation of the emperor's divine authority, and the strict social hierarchy that defined ancient Chinese society. The combination of the words "forbidden," "city," and "purple" encapsulates the essence of this grand palace complex, which served as the center of Chinese imperial power for nearly half a millennium. Today, the Forbidden City stands as a monument to China's imperial past, a symbol of the grandeur and authority of the emperors who once ruled the Middle Kingdom.