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Yandi’s Monument Built in Shaanxi Baoji Providence

(Photography: Kim In-hee, NAHF Research Fellow)

According to Chinese academia, YanDi began Chinese civilization, Huangdi was the beginning of the Chinese emperor, Yao formed the core of Chinese civilization, and Yu built Xi. Institute on European History at NAHF tracked down the mythical figures above. This is because the process of re-creating them as historical figures in combination with ancient ruins is very interesting. The results of this study will be serialized five times. This will help you see what the relationship between China's patriotism and making ancient history is.

The Appearance of the concept of 'Descendants of Yanhuang(炎黃子孫)'

As we consider ourselves to be the descendants of Dangun, the Chinese consider themselves the descendants of Yanhuang. However, until the end of the Qing Dynasty, China was a 'dynasty state' centered on 'Cheonja(Emperor)', so the perception of 'Descendants of Yanhuang' was the exclusive property of the dynasty. Then, after two Opium Wars(1840, 1956) and the Sino-Japanese War(1894–1895) since the mid-19th century, China has been defeated by the Western powers as well as Japan. In the process, the concept of 'ethnic state' and 'nationalism' of the West is transmitted, and the Chinese national consciousness begins to form. Huangdi and YanDi, that were the exclusive properties of 'Cheonja', became symbols of the Chinese people, and the perception of 'Descendants of Yanhuang' spread to the private sector at a moment.

On the other hand, the concept of 'Descendants of Yanhuang' did not mean all Chinese peoples. In the chaotic situation of the end of the Qing Dynasty, the 'Descendants of Yanhuang', which is referred to by the Revolutionary Group who denies the current dynasty system, was actually limited to the Han Chinese. The Qing Dynasty, which they regarded as the object of overthrow was built by the Manchu people, so they had to emphasize the Han Chinese at the opposite point.

The Revolutionary Group will take power through the Revolution of 1911 and build the Republic of China. However, the territory and members of this 'Republic of China' remained unchanged from the Qing Dynasty. In addition, in the unstable domestic politics and social situation, the Revolutionary Group needs a concept that can embrace both the minority of China, especially the minorities of the border area. The interim president Sunzhongshan·Sun wen officially proclaims in January 1912 that the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui, and Tibetan are all ethnic groups of China. Not only the Han Chinese but also the minorities became members of China. Naturally, the YanDi and Huangdi, who were revered as ancestors of the Han, became common ancestors of minorities.

Since then, they have suffered the threat of the imperialism and the anti-Japanese war, and the Chinese are more and more united under the roof of 'Descendants of Yanhuang'. Currently, the concept of 'Descendants of Yanhuang' is used incorporating all 56 ethnic groups of China that are intertwined culturally and economically. This is a symbolic concept rather than a blood relative or succession relationship.

The Origin of the Chinese People, and Yandi

In the past, Yandi and Huangdi were considered to be legends, so the concept of 'Descendants of Yanhuang' was somewhat abstract. However, Shang Dynasty, considered a legend, was revealed through the Yin Ruins and letters written on turtle shells as archaeological data increased. Xia Dynasty is recognized as a historical entity that existed within China, based on the remains of Erlitou(二里頭). Recently, China claims that the era of the five emperors before Xia Dynasty was proved through the Chinese Civilization Discovery Project(2001-2015), and that the history of Chinese civilization began 5,000 years ago. Yandi is considered brother to the Empire belonging to the Five Emperors. He is known as 'Yandi Shennong' by recognizing him as the same person as Shennong in the Three Emperors. Thus, if they reveal the reality of Yandi, there is a possibility to talk about the historicalization of Three Emperors ahead of Five Emperors. In other words, the starting point of the Chinese people can move up from Xia Dynasty, Five Emperors to Three Emperors.

The types of Banpo and Miaodigou

1-2: Banpo Type (Fish Pattern)

3-6: Miaodigou Type (Bird Pattern)

(Source : Administration of Cultural Heritage, 1995, 『A Dictionary of the Essence of Chinese Cultural Relics·Ceramics』)  

Substantiation of YanDi through archaeology

China actively uses archaeological data to substantiate YanDi. This is because the development of agriculture and handicrafts and the war between groups in the literature related to YanDi have some connection with the late Neolithic society. Among them, Banpo type of Yangsao culture is replaced with YanDi, and Miaodigou type is replaced with Huangdi, and then it is combined with literature to try to materialize them. In the late Neolithic period, the aspect of Miaodigou type replacing Banpo type is the same as Huangdi leading Princes instead of Shennong. The stone axe drawn on the surface of the earthenware means war, and the bird holding the fish in its mouth reflects Huangdi's victory in the war(The Battle of Banquan) against Yandi.

However, it is common to see the phenomenon that the patterns that were popular in different regions and times are combined. This can be fully manifested not only by war but also by peaceful convergence. And Neolithic stone axes were widely used as agricultural tools. To prove that armed conflict has been frequent, it is necessary to suggest that weapons are being excavated in large quantities. However, there are few weapons reported as being in the period of Yangsao culture except for a small amount of flint arrowhead.

Yandi in Modern Society

Although somewhat far-fetched, this combination of literature and archaeological material has resulted in the prevalence of Yandi-related traditions and rituals throughout China. People know about each province. Shaanxi Baoji province is related to the origin of Yandi, Hubei Suizhou province is the birthplace of Shennong, Hunan Zhuzhou province is the place where Yandi Shennong died, and Shaanxi Gaoping province is considered the place where Shennong learned Five important grains used to make staple food. In addition to the above provinces, where legends related to Yandi Shennong are told, Yandi-related monuments are built and rituals are held. Some of them are registered as national intangible cultural heritage and are systematically managed and designated as national patriotic educational bases. The 'substantialization of Yandi' with a long history gives ethnic pride to Chinese people. And it is a good mechanism to unite the Chinese society where various people live.