Tian gao, Huangdi yuan

Tian gao, Huangdi yuan (Chinese: 天高皇帝远, p Tiān gāo, huángdì yuǎn) is a Chinese proverb typically translated "Heaven is high and the emperor is far away". The saying is thought to have come from Zhejiang province in the Yuan Dynasty.[1]

Connections between the Chinese Central Government in Beijing and the people has historically been weak, with much regional autonomy and little loyalty.[2][3][4][5][6] The proverb has thus come to generally mean that central authorities have little influence over local affairs, and it is often used in reference to corruption.[1]

The saying, as it is considered in China, has multiple meanings. Often it involves something minor such as walking on the grass when no one is watching, ignoring a command because the father is far away, cutting timber when not permitted, or ignoring the one-child policy. It is also used to describe a lawless place far from the authorities.[7]

The original variation is also still heard: shan gao, huangdi yuan, meaning the mountains are high and the emperor is far away.[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 My China Connection" Heaven is high and the emperor is far away".
  2. ↑ Samovar, Larry (2009). Communication Between Cultures. Cengage. p. 70.
  3. ↑ Fairbrother, Gregory (2003). Toward critical patriotism: student resistance to political education in Hong Kong and China. Hong Kong University Press. p. 3.
  4. ↑ Ringmar, Erik (2005). The mechanics of modernity in Europe and East Asia: the institutional origins of social change and stagnation. Psychology Press. p. 160.
  5. ↑ Zhao, Suisheng (2006). Debating political reform in China: rule of law vs. democratization. M.E. Sharpe. p. 24.
  6. ↑ Haft, Jeremy (2007). All the tea in China: how to buy, sell, and make money on the mainland. Penguin. p. 49.
  7. ↑ Kane, D. (2006). The Chinese Language: Its History and Current Usage. Tuttle Publishing. p. 175. ISBN 9780804838535. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  8. ↑ Dartmouth College. "Chinese Proverbs".
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