The Manchu Naming Taboo System and Its Evolution in the Late Qing Dynasty
Vol. 56 No. 3 9/2026
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Title |
The Manchu Naming Taboo System and Its Evolution in the Late Qing Dynasty |
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Author |
Zhang Lingxiao |
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Genre |
Artical |
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Pages |
601~645 |
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Download |
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Language |
Chinese |
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Key words |
Late Qing Dynasty, Manchu language, naming taboo system, institutional evolution |
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Abstract |
The naming taboo (bihui 避諱) system in ancient China carried not only special cultural significance but also strong political implications. Unlike the dynasties of the Central Plains, such as the Han, Tang, Song and Ming Dynasties, the Qing court enforced taboos not only on Chinese characters but also on the Manchu names of its emperors. Previous research on the naming taboo system focused mostly on the early and middle Qing Dynasty, paying comparatively little attention to Manchu naming taboos in the late Qing. Using Manchu archives and historical documents, this paper systematically discusses the Manchu naming taboo system in the late Qing Dynasty. After the Xianfeng 咸豐 reign, as the Chinese naming taboo system entered a stage where “After the Xianfeng 咸豐 reign, Chinese naming-taboo practices entered a phase characterized by “the avoidance of the second character” (erming bu pianhui 二名不偏諱), and Manchu naming-taboo practices likewise entered a new stage.” Compared with the early and mid-Qing periods, the late Qing Manchu naming taboo exhibited greater attention to the graphic form of tabooed characters, a narrower scope of avoidance, and a weakened degree of importance attached to the practice. This evolution reflects the fact that the pluralistic rule maintained by the Qing court was facing threats and challenges. |
Author:
Zhang Lingxiao
Genre:
Article