FIVE BARBARIANS Meaning and
Definition
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"Five barbarians" refers to a historical term used to describe certain ethnic and nomadic tribal groups that were considered culturally different or inferior by the Chinese civilization. The term originated during the Jin Dynasty (AD 266–420), but it gained prominence during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (AD 420–589).
The five barbarians are mainly identified as the Xiongnu, Jie, Di, Qiang, and Xianbei tribes, who resided in the northern territories around China. These groups were characterized by their different languages, customs, and lifestyles compared to the Chinese people. As nomadic pastoralists, they relied heavily on animal husbandry and often engaged in raiding and warfare.
The term "five barbarians" is primarily rooted in the Chinese perception of these groups as uncivilized, lacking in knowledge, and displaying barbaric tendencies. It reflects the ethnocentrism and cultural biases prevalent in ancient Chinese historiography, which often viewed non-Chinese cultures as inferior or lacking in refinement.
However, it is important to note that the categorization of these tribes as "barbarians" in historical contexts does not accurately reflect their complete cultural complexity and accomplishments. These groups had their own distinct languages, social structures, and technological advancements, making significant contributions to regional history and civilization.
Today, the term "five barbarians" is primarily used in historical discussions to describe the relationship and interactions between these nomadic tribes and the Chinese civilization during the early medieval period.
Etymology of FIVE BARBARIANS
The phrase "five barbarians" does not have a specific etymology as it does not refer to a particular word. However, it might be understood as a historical reference to the Five Barbarians, which were a group of nomadic tribes or ethnic groups that contributed to the downfall of the Western Jin Dynasty in China during the 4th and 5th centuries. These tribes were the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Di, Qiang, and Jie. The term "barbarian" was commonly used by Chinese dynasties to refer to non-Chinese or non-Han ethnic groups, typically those outside of their borders.
