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Why Ancient Chinese Parents Gave Their Children Strange Names Like Dog And Pig
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News18•18-10-2026, 18:44
Why Ancient Chinese Parents Gave Their Children Strange Names Like Dog And Pig
- •In ancient China, parents often gave their children unusual nicknames like dog, pig, brick, or iron pillar.
- •The primary reason behind this tradition was to protect children from evil spirits and diseases due to poor medical facilities.
- •People believed that giving unappealing names would keep children safe and ensure they lived long, healthy lives.
- •Even historical figures and emperors, such as Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty, had such nicknames.
- •Although medical advancements have made this practice rare, it is still viewed by some as a symbol of deep parental love.
Key Questions Answered
In ancient China, limited medical facilities led to high child mortality from diseases. Parents believed that giving children less attractive or simpler names would protect them from evil spirits and help them stay safe and healthy.
Yes, this tradition was not limited to ordinary families. For example, Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty had the nickname 'Zhi', meaning pig, and the famous writer Sima Xiangru was called 'little puppy'.
Children were given nicknames such as 'Gou Sheng' meaning dog's leftover food, 'Gou Dan' meaning dog or egg, and 'Zhu Wa' meaning piglet. Other families used names like stone, iron hammer, and iron pillar to wish for strength and resilience.
