Chinese chess, an ancient board game that combines wisdom and tactics, has become an important part of Chinese traditional culture after thousands of years of development and evolution. And among the many elements of chess, the name of the rook has always been a mystery. We are used to calling it "ju", but do you know the origin of this title?
First, let's take a look at the place of the rook in chess. The rook, as the main combat power in chess, moves in a straight line, whether vertically or horizontally, as long as there are no other pieces blocking it, it can move one square. With its great power and flexibility, it is one of the most desirable pieces for chess players.
So, where does the name "ju" come from? There is a theory that the pronunciation of "ju" is derived from the Chinese character "ju", which originally meant a pony. In chess, the shape of the "rook" is somewhat similar to that of a horse, both are in the shape of a long strip, and the way of movement is also somewhat similar. Therefore, people call the "car" "ju", which is vivid and easy to remember.
Another theory is that the pronunciation of "ju" is derived from the Chinese character "drama". The original meaning of this kanji means violent, intense. In chess, the power of the "rook" is great, the movement is flexible, and it often plays a decisive role in the chess game, so it is called "drama", indicating its great role.
There is also a saying that the name "ju" originated from ancient Chinese combat vehicles. In ancient times, people used horses to pull carts, so the word "car" was originally written as "carriage". Over time, the word "carriage" was gradually simplified to "car", and this new word "rook" was introduced into chess to represent the vehicles on the board.
There are many stories about the origin of "ju", but this title has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and has become the standard name of the Chinese chess rook. Whenever we shout "ju", both the elderly and the children immediately understand which piece we are referring to. This is the charm of culture and the uniqueness of the name "ju".
In general, why the rook in Chinese chess is called "ju" is an interesting and mysterious question. Its origin is full of cultural and historical connotations, and it also reflects the love and respect that people have for this ancient game. While enjoying the fun brought by chess, it also allows us to understand and feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture more deeply.