Creating Imperial Robes About China's Legendary Emperors

Assignment to hand in:    Comprehension Questions on your Emperor (Within the Story of the Emperor You Chose)    &    Creating Imperial Robe

Step 1: Introduction: Look at the pictures below and read the text introduction:

    This is a painting of officials gathered before a Manchu emperor from the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911 C.E.) The official in the center shows his respect for the emperor by performing the kowtow, kneeling and touching his forehead to the ground.                                                                           

    This is an artist's rendition of an assassination attempt made on Qin Shi Huang Di, emperor of the Qin dynasty (221 - 206 B.C.E.). According to legend the attacker, Jing Ke, had plotted with the king of Yan, a rival state, to kill the emperor. Jing Ke pretended to prove his loyalty to Qin Shi Huang Di by showing him the head of a slain enemy. Jing Ke drew the dagger that he had concealed in a rolled map, but guards intervened and the assassination was prevented.
                                            

For thousands of years, until the early 1900's, China was ruled by emperors, each of whom was called the "Son of Heaven." People believed that the emperor received his power from Heaven and that it was his duty to see that the will of Heaven was carried out on earth. These beliefs were connected to Chinese legends about some of the earliest emperors, such as Huang Di, Yao Di, Shun Di, and Yu Di. These emperors were considered to be semi-divine, and some were believed to have supernatural powers and direct communications with Heaven. In fact, "Di," the word meaning "supreme ruler," came to also mean "emperor." Throughout history, Chinese scholars have written about the legendary emperors to encourage later rulers to govern with the same intelligence and benevolence.

Like his legendary counterparts, the Chinese emperor was supposed to act as a father to the people. He was responsible for making sure all his subjects were happy and prosperous. In return, the people were expected to be obedient and loyal to him. Emperors were often separated from average Chinese citizens, living in beautiful palaces, eating specially prepared food, and wearing the finest robes. At times they even prohibited ordinary people from viewing them as they traveled along the streets. An emperor was usually succeeded by a member of his own family, most often the oldest son or a brother, thus creating a dynasty, or line of rulers from the same family.

According to Chinese belief, the emperor was granted a "Mandate of Heaven" to rule. This meant that as long as the emperor was virtuous and created harmony in the kingdom, he could keep his power. However, if the ruler became corrupt and cruel, Heaven would withdraw its support. Signs would appear indicating that Heaven no longer approved of the leader. There would be social disorder such as assassination attempts, riots, and rebellions. Floods, droughts, earthquakes, and other natural disasters would ravage the land. If the emperor did not change his ways, Heaven would choose another brave, virtuous man to rule the land. This new emperor would be able to take over the empire by force.

Step 2: Look at the picture of an emperor's robe and read the following text to get a good idea as to what is expected of you.

Creating/Designing an Emperor's Robe - Choose ONE of the following emperors to create their imperial robe and print out the corresponding STORY and MASK:

    Huang Di:     Story    &    Mask

    Yao Di:    Story    &    Mask

    Shun Di:    Story    &    Mask

    Yu Di:    Story    &    Mask

Step 3: Download and print out the following handouts:    Guidelines for Making an Imperial Robe    Outline of an Imperial Robe

Step 4: Read the directions carefully and complete your imperial robe.

Supplemental Websites:
The Emperor and the Assassin (Movie Trailer - Rated R for Violence, so get your parents approval prior to renting it. See above for historical connection.)

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