Sui Dynasty

Exploring Ancient Chinese Dynasties and Sun Legends

Historical Period in Ancient China (581–618)

The ancient Chinese DYNASTY from 581 to 618 holds significant historical importance. Its pivotal role lies in reuniting China after a two-century-long division, setting the stage for advancements in art, philosophy, and culture. Wen Di, also known as Yang Chien (541–604), played a crucial role in this reunification, ruling from 581 until his demise. During his reign, he not only strengthened and reorganized the Chinese government bureaucracy but also utilized BUDDHISM, CONFUCIANISM, and TAOISM to foster national unity. Wen Di harmonized the legal systems of North and South China, elevating standards for government office. His second son, Yang (also known as Yang Di, Yang-ti, and Prince Yang Kuang [569–618]), succeeded him, continuing the improvements initiated by his father. Despite these efforts, the dynasty eventually collapsed, with later historians attributing the downfall to Yang's perceived self-indulgence, depicting him as the archetype of a "bad last" emperor.

Transition to the TANG DYNASTY

Following the demise of the DYNASTY, the TANG DYNASTY emerged as its successor.

Myths of the Sun in Ancient China

The Charioteer of the Suns

In various Chinese myths, the Sun's rising and setting are explained, with one popular myth involving a charioteer driving one sun across the sky each day. This myth, rooted in ancient China's 10-day week, led to a calamity when the suns, driven by jealousy, crowded into the CHARIOT together. This event brought hardship to the people of the EARTH, leading to droughts and the unleashing of strange beasts and monsters. In desperation, the people sought help, and the divine archer YI, armed with a vermilion bow and arrow, shot down nine of the suns. The original myth features TAIYANG DIJUN as the father of the suns, sometimes described as the god of the eastern sky. The charioteer, according to the CLASSIC OF MOUNTAINS AND SEAS, is XIHE, the mother of the suns. However, variations exist in later versions of the tale regarding the identity of the charioteer.

The Mulberry Tree Tradition

Another sun myth revolves around a large MULBERRY tree in the Tang valley near the river. In this version, different suns take turns at the top of the tree each day, passing through 15 stages in the sky. Three of these stages correspond to meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The sun is said to rise from Yang, or "Sunny," valley after bathing in the Xian Pool and brushing past the LEANING MULBERRY TREE to mark dawn. The sun then sets in the Meng valley.