The spelling of the word "xuanzong" can be a bit tricky to decipher at first glance. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ʃwɛnˈtsʊŋ/. The "x" is pronounced as "sh", the "u" is pronounced like the "oo" in "book", and the "a" is pronounced like the "ah" in "father". The "ong" ending is pronounced like the English word "song". "Xuanzong" was the reign name of a famous Chinese emperor from the Tang dynasty, who ruled from 712 to 756 AD.
Xuanzong, also known as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, was the seventh emperor of the Tang Dynasty in ancient China. He reigned from 712 to 756 and is considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.
Xuanzong, whose given name was Li Longji, was born on May 8, 685. He succeeded to the throne after his father's death and ruled during a period known as the "High Tang," which marked the peak of the Tang Dynasty's power and prosperity. Under his rule, the Tang Empire experienced an era of cultural and artistic brilliance.
As a patron of the arts, Xuanzong fostered the renowned Tang Dynasty poetry, also known as "High Tang poetry." He surrounded himself with gifted poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu, who flourished during his reign. Xuanzong himself was also a talented poet, composing many poems that have survived to this day.
However, Xuanzong's reign was not without challenges. He faced numerous military threats from neighboring tribes, particularly the Uighurs and Tibetans. Additionally, towards the end of his rule, a devastating rebellion, known as the An Lushan Rebellion, shook the empire and resulted in the decline of Xuanzong's power.
Despite the challenges and eventual decline, Xuanzong's reign is remembered as a period of cultural and economic prosperity. His contributions to the arts and his patronage of intellectuals left a lasting impact on Chinese literature and poetry, earning him a reputation as one of the most esteemed emperors in Chinese history.
The word "Xuanzong" (玄宗) is of Chinese origin and has its etymology rooted in the Chinese language. It is composed of two Chinese characters:
1. "Xuan" (玄) means "dark", "profound", or "mysterious" in Chinese. It can also represent the concept of the Daoist philosophy, referring to the hidden and profound aspects of the universe.
2. "Zong" (宗) means "ancestor", "ancestor's family", "clan", or "lineage" in Chinese.
When combined, "Xuanzong" refers to a title or name used to signify the seventh emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. Emperor Xuanzong, whose personal name was Li Longji (李隆基), reigned from 712 to 756.