Why is Beijing called the Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City is a palace complex located in the center of Beijing, China. It was ordered to be built by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in 1406 and was first officially occupied by the imperial court in 1420. The reason for its name is that most of the subjects in the area were forbidden from entering.

In China, the name Forbidden City is almost universally known, representing the splendor and changes of Chinese history. Located in the center of Beijing, it is a historic palace complex that has witnessed the ups and downs of China for hundreds of years. It was ordered to be built by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in 1406 and took 14 years to complete before being officially occupied by the imperial court in 1420. Below, we will explore the origin of the name Forbidden City, why it is called "purple," why the Forbidden City was sealed off, and how it has become the Palace Museum today.

Reference: Forbidden City

I. Origin of the Name Forbidden City

The name Forbidden City comes from its strict access control system. In feudal society, the imperial palace was where the emperor and his family lived and handled state affairs, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter at will. Therefore, strict guards and access controls were set up around the palace, and only the emperor, royal family members, and a few officials were allowed to enter. This access control system made the palace appear mysterious and solemn, hence the name "Forbidden City."

II. Why "Purple"

There are several explanations for the "purple" in the name Forbidden City, each reflecting profound cultural connotations of ancient China.

Here are three main reasons:

  • Symbol of Imperial Power:

In ancient China, purple has always been regarded as a symbol of nobility and prestige. According to "The Analects of Confucius," it is said, "He that takes a censer must use a sacred vessel of jade; he may not use one of earthenware. In the ceremonies of the ancestral temple, there should be no blending of the dark-colored or the purple. The dark-colored was used in the imperial temple of the Spirits of the Land, and the purple in that of the grain-procuring matrons." Purple, being an intermediate color, was considered inferior to red, which was regarded as the primary color. Therefore, the phrase "hating purple for purple's sake" is used metaphorically to express the evils of deceitfulness, deviation from correct principles, or treachery. In traditional Chinese culture, purple is often associated with imperial power and noble status. As the highest ruler of the country, the emperor naturally named his residence after the most prestigious color, purple, to show the majesty and nobility of imperial power.

  • Influence of Taoist Culture:

As a native religion in China, Taoism has had a profound influence on ancient culture. In Taoism, purple is considered a mysterious and sacred color, often associated with immortals and fairylands. Therefore, naming the imperial palace the "Forbidden City" also reflects the emperor's respect for Taoist culture and the desire for eternal rule and longevity.

  • Association with Actual Building Colors:

According to historical records, the roofs of the Forbidden City buildings were indeed made of a large number of glazed tiles, which would shine beautifully in the sunlight with a purple color. This unique architectural color left a deep impression on people, making "purple" synonymous with the Forbidden City. When people mention the "Forbidden City," they naturally think of those glistening purple glazed tiles in the sunlight, representing royal dignity and glory.

III. Why the Forbidden City Was Sealed Off

The sealing off of the Forbidden City is related to the highly centralized imperial power. In feudal society, the emperor possessed supreme power, and the imperial palace was a symbol of this power. To maintain the stability of imperial authority, the emperor implemented strict access controls over the Forbidden City, prohibiting ordinary people from entering. This sealing off not only protected the security of the palace but also demonstrated the majesty of imperial power.

The main reasons why the Forbidden City was sealed off are as follows:

  • Highly Centralized Imperial Power:

In feudal society, the emperor possessed supreme power, and the imperial palace was a symbol of this power. To maintain the stability of imperial authority, the emperor implemented strict access controls over the Forbidden City, prohibiting ordinary people from entering. This sealing off not only protected the security of the palace but also demonstrated the majesty of imperial power.

  • Security Considerations:

Due to the large number of precious cultural relics and artworks stored in the Forbidden City, as well as the residence of important figures such as the emperor and his family, the security of the palace was particularly important. To prevent foreign invasions and internal theft, strict guards and access control systems were set up around the palace. These measures made it difficult for unauthorized personnel to enter the palace, ensuring its security.

  • Social Etiquette:

In ancient Chinese society, there were strict hierarchical systems and etiquette norms. As the highest center of power in the country, the Forbidden City naturally followed corresponding social etiquette in its internal affairs. For example, only specific individuals with certain identities, such as the emperor and empress, were allowed to use particular vehicles and wear specific attire. These regulations reflected the social values and moral concepts of the time and were also one of the reasons why the palace was sealed off.

IV. The Forbidden City is No Longer Forbidden, Now the Palace Museum

With the passage of time, the feudal system gradually declined, and democratic and egalitarian ideas became prevalent. Today, the Forbidden City is no longer sealed off but has become an open museum known as the Palace Museum. The Palace Museum houses a large number of precious cultural relics and showcases thousands of years of Chinese history and culture. Every year, millions of visitors come to appreciate the charm of this ancient palace.

V. My Viewpoint

As a representative of ancient Chinese palaces, the Forbidden City is not only a witness to Chinese history but also a treasure of Chinese civilization. It has witnessed the rise and fall of feudal society and the rise of the Chinese nation. Today, as an open museum, the Palace Museum displays the splendid history and culture of the Chinese nation to the world. We should cherish this ancient palace, inherit and promote the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Q1：Why was the Forbidden City forbidden?

A1：There are three main reasons why the Forbidden City was forbidden. Firstly, the high concentration of imperial power made the imperial palace a symbol of imperial power, requiring protection of its security and dignity, so ordinary people were forbidden to enter. Secondly, for security reasons, the imperial palace contained a large number of precious cultural relics and works of art, requiring the prevention of security hazards such as enemy invasion and internal theft. Finally, social etiquette also required that internal affairs of the imperial palace follow corresponding norms and hierarchical systems, restricting the access permissions of the imperial palace.

Q2：What is the special meaning of the "purple" in the name of the Forbidden City?

A2：The "purple" in the name of the Forbidden City has multiple special meanings. Firstly, purple symbolizes imperial power and dignity in ancient Chinese culture, so it was used to name the imperial palace to demonstrate the dignity of imperial power. Secondly, purple is regarded as a mysterious and sacred color in Taoist culture, associated with immortals and fairyland, reflecting the emperor's pursuit of immortality and eternal rule. Finally, the roof of the Forbidden City indeed used a large number of glazed tiles, which would present a beautiful purple glow in the sun. This unique architectural color also made "purple" become a synonym for the Forbidden City.

Q3：How is the current Palace Museum different from the past Forbidden City?

A3：The current Palace Museum differs from the past Forbidden City in terms of function. The past Forbidden City was a symbol of feudal imperial power, where the emperor and his family lived and handled government affairs, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter freely. However, the current Palace Museum has become a museum open to the public, collecting a large number of precious cultural relics and displaying thousands of years of Chinese history and culture. It is no longer a symbol of feudal imperial power but has become an important place for inheriting and promoting the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation.