Laughing Through the Ages Amusing Moments in Chine
Laughing Through the Ages: Amusing Moments in Chinese History
The Great Wall of Giggles
The Great Wall of China, a symbol of ancient engineering prowess and military might, also holds a secret: it was built with laughter. Well, not exactly with laughter itself, but during its construction process, laborers were allowed to take breaks and play games to boost morale and productivity. These breaks often turned into impromptu comedy performances, which became an integral part of their daily routine.
Emperors' Jokes
Emperors throughout Chinese history have been known for their sense of humor. One famous joke attributed to Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) is about a group of officials who requested that he change his throne so they could all sit at eye level when discussing state affairs. Instead of complying with their demands, the emperor had them all stand on chairs while he remained seated on his throne.
The Poet Laureate's Wit
Du Fu (712-770 AD), one of China's most celebrated poets, once visited a friend who was bedridden due to illness. As Du Fu sat by his bedside reciting poetry from memory without pause or error, his friend asked him how he managed such feats without sleep or rest for years on end? In response Du Fu said that since he had spent countless nights sleeping under the moonlight while traveling as a soldier before becoming an official poet laureate; these experiences made him immune to fatigue.
Empress Wu Zetian's Puns
Empress Wu Zetian (624-705 AD), also known as Wu Hou or Ming Huang—the only woman ever to rule China in her own right—was known for her wit and cleverness in politics and diplomacy alike. During one meeting with foreign ambassadors where she was negotiating trade agreements between their countries; she proposed exchanging silk fabrics for horses by saying "Silk flows like water across our land; horses run free across your plains."
5.Li Bai's Literary Pranksterism
Li Bai (701-762 AD), another renowned Tang Dynasty poet often called 'The Greatest Poet', would sometimes compose poems using nonsensical words just for fun – creating what some might call "wordplay" or even "nonsense verse." He'd share these creations with friends over wine sessions simply enjoying each other’s company rather than taking them seriously.
These amusing anecdotes remind us that even amid great historical events there are moments where people found joy through laughter and wit – offering us insight into the lighter side oftentimes overlooked aspects of Chinese history
