Chinese emperors turned their backs to the north and their imperial palaces traditionally faced south

Question

Lance Pierce

Social Studies

10 April, 03:03

Chinese emperors turned their backs to the north and their imperial palaces traditionally faced south

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Layla Massey · Answer 1

Chinese emperors turned their backs to the north and their imperial palaces traditionally faced south, is a true statement.

Explanation:

The Chinese emperors were imperialistic and to show their superiority among other officials and common people, they would sit facing the south with their back to the north.

The other officials were seated on the east and west side of the emperor depending upon their ranks. The highest ranked officials were seated at the north near the emperor and as the rank decreases, the lowest ranked were seated in the southern part of the palace. The audience or the people also thronged at the south.

This arrangement is done so that whoever comes to respect the emperor will prostrate facing the north. This is to create a sense of supremacy where the emperor is considered as the North Star with other stars (officials and people) surrounding him at the central axis.

The Chinese believed a lot in directions and its effect on life. Accordingly, south was considered to be a source of good fortune, wealth, warmth, and light. Imperial palaces were faced south to evade evil happenings also.