The reign title system,which began with Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty,has been the predominant system for naming reigns used by successive Chinese dynasties for over two thousand years.Its influence has extended to Chinese character cultural circles in East Asia and Southeast Asia.A reign title serves not only as a means of recording years but also as a political symbol that strengthens the legitimacy of rule,expresses the ruler's good wishes,invokes support from"heaven",and inspires both officials and citizens.Since the Wei and Jin Dynasties,it has become common practice to interpret reign titles as encrypted prophecies,"decoding"carefully selected auspicious and beautiful words into negative or even sinister apocalyptic messages.This process of"decoding"carries profound significance and represents a traditional political and cultural phenomenon that merits further research but has received little attention.
reign titleprophecypolitical cultureWei,Jin,Southern and Northern DynastiesSui Dynasty
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