#聚光创作大赛#
Chinese chess, a long-standing board game, is not only a form of entertainment, but also the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese nation. It contains rich historical and cultural connotations and profound philosophical thoughts. So do you know who first invented Xiangqi, and why can't the generals meet? Today, I will talk to you about the history and culture behind Chinese chess.
There are various theories about the origin of chess, but there is still no conclusive conclusion. Here are a few of the more widely accepted views:
The first: The Yellow Emperor said
Huang Buzhi of the Northern Song Dynasty mentioned in the "Preface to the Wide Elephant Play" that Xiangqi originated in the period of the Yellow Emperor, which was used to simulate wars and drive fierce beasts to set up formations. This statement connects chess with ancient myths and legends, and reflects the Chinese nation's reverence for the Yellow Emperor, the ancestor of humanity.
The second: Shennong said
The Yuan Dynasty monk Nian Chang recorded in the "Buddha's Past Dynasties" that Shennong's clan used the sun, moon and stars as elephants, and replaced them with chess pieces such as chariots, horses, scholars, and pawns, thus creating chess. This statement connects the origin of chess with the ancestor of agricultural society, Shennong, and shows the observation and thinking of the ancients on astronomy and the laws of nature.
The third: Shun's period said
Legend has it that Shun's younger brother Xiang was lazy and playful, and Shun made a special chess game in order to entertain him, which was called Xiangqi because of its name. This statement reflects family ethics and brotherhood, as well as the popularity and importance of chess in ancient societies.
Fourth: King Wu of Zhou said
In the Five Miscellaneous Groups, Zhao Xian of the Ming Dynasty proposed that Xiangqi may have originated in the period of King Wu of Zhou, or the military masters of the Warring States Period. This statement links Xiangqi to the ancient art of warfare and war, emphasizing the military-strategic significance of Xiangqi.
Why can't the generals meet: what is the cultural philosophy behind the rules?
In the rules of Chinese chess, there is a very special rule - generals cannot meet. This rule is not only a part of the game, but also a manifestation of Chinese culture and philosophical thought.
Xiangqi simulates ancient warfare, and the generals, as the supreme commanders of the armies of both sides, will not meet directly on the battlefield according to the laws of history and the actual situation. Such rules reflect respect for history and reality, and are also an indirect reflection of the brutality of war.
In Chinese feudal society, the monarch was the core and symbol of the state and had supreme authority. As the monarch of one side, the safety of the generals is directly related to the survival of the country. Therefore, the rule that generals cannot meet embodies the idea of the supremacy of monarchy and emphasizes the importance of the monarch's status.
In the course of a war, striking at the enemy's command center is the key to victory. The rule that generals and commanders in chess cannot meet is the embodiment of this strategic thinking. Players need to use strategy and intrigue to protect their own generals as much as possible, while trying to attack the opponent's generals in order to achieve victory.
The rule that generals cannot meet also reflects the philosophical idea that "one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers". In the game of chess, the generals of both sides go their own way and do not invade each other, which embodies the ancient Chinese concept of power distribution and balance.
Chinese chess is not only a game, but also a cultural and philosophical inheritance. With its unique rules and gameplay, it has attracted countless enthusiasts and has become a treasure in the treasure house of Chinese culture. Through chess, we can get a glimpse of the cruelty of ancient wars, experience the feudal idea of the supremacy of monarchy, comprehend the wisdom of the art of war that captures the thief and capture the king first, and feel the power philosophy that one mountain cannot tolerate two tigers. This ancient game is still spreading the wisdom and charm of China around the world.
The origin and rules of Chinese chess are part of the long history and culture of the Chinese nation. It's not just a form of entertainment, it's a tool for education and enlightenment. By learning and playing chess, we can better understand China's history, culture and philosophical thoughts, and also exercise our thinking skills and strategic vision. Let us continue to inherit and develop this precious cultural heritage, so that it can shine even brighter in the new era.