Everyone knows that China is China. However, few people know why this country is called that way.
Celestial is ...
In the original, that is, in Chinese, the term sounds like "stretch." "Celestial" is a term used by the Chinese to refer to their country. Literally, it can be translated as “under the sky” (“tian” is the sky, “sya” is below).
What is the meaning of this word? To answer this question, you need to thoroughly delve into the foundations of the Chinese worldview and attitude, and also recognize that it is significantly different from the European one. After all, the interpretation of this term is closely connected with the cult of the sky, which flourishes in China today.
The meaning of the word "Celestial"
The territory of China, due to the peculiarities of its geographical position, is isolated from the rest of the world. This is the main reason for the uniqueness of local culture and worldviews.
The cult of the sky originated in China a very, very long time ago. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of this unusual country managed to preserve it, even if not in a religious context, but in a cultural one. It is heaven, according to ancient Chinese beliefs, that is the source of earthly life.
Chinese emperors have always been considered messengers, sons of Heaven, who through them did their will. Therefore, the power of the emperor, logically and obviously, extended to everything located under him. Thus, in the understanding of Chinese philosophy, the Celestial Empire is a civilization and the world order as a whole. Moreover, the Chinese under this word meant not only their lands, but also strangers, "barbaric".
In a narrow sense, the Celestial Empire is all that is under Heaven and subject to the Chinese emperor.
In Beijing, all tourists are immediately led to the so-called Temple of Heaven - the main building in the city. It is a sacred object for every Chinese, the interior decoration and the beauty of the temple are simply amazing. This building once again confirms that the cult of the sky is still relevant in this country.
Term use
The term "Celestial" in China was entrenched during the reign of the Zhou Dynasty. True, in those days, as the historian Yuri Pines claims, he could geographically designate only the central part of the entire empire. Over time, this term develops further and at a later time it appeared in several classical treatises - "Guo yui" and "Zuo zhuan."
It is interesting that in addition to China, the expression "Celestial Empire" is actively used in only one country - in Russia. Indeed, it can often be found in books, guidebooks, magazine articles, and Russian news releases. Where this tradition came from in Russia is not exactly known.
Finally
Britain - "Foggy Albion", Japan - "Country of the Rising Sun", Croatia - "Country of a thousand islands", China - "Celestial" ... All these beautiful and imaginative names of states are actively popularized by writers and journalists. Although in the case of the Middle Kingdom, the Chinese themselves name their native country so, sincerely believing that it is they who are closest to Heaven.