Hậu tắc
Definition
- Proper noun:
- Hou Ji: A legendary figure in Chinese history and mythology, revered as a skilled minister who served under the sage-kings Yao and Shun. He is considered the ancestor of the Zhou dynasty and the deity or cultural hero associated with agriculture.
- The Lord of Millet: An epithet for Hou Ji, highlighting his role as the mythical founder of farming who taught people how to cultivate crops.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- Hậu Tắc được tôn vinh là ông tổ của nông nghiệp. (Hou Ji is honored as the ancestor of agriculture.)
- Truyền thuyết kể rằng Hậu Tắc đã dạy dân trồng ngũ cốc. (Legend says that Hou Ji taught the people to grow grains.)
Advanced Usage
- In classical texts and historical contexts, "Hậu Tắc" is used specifically to refer to this foundational cultural hero, not as a common noun.
- The title "Hậu" (meaning "lord" or "sovereign") combined with "Tắc" (meaning "millet" or "harvest") signifies his divine or royal status connected to agrarian prosperity.
Variants and Related Words
- Tắc quan (n): The official title of "Minister of Agriculture" held by Hou Ji and his descendants.
- Hậu Tắc được vua Nghiêu phong làm Tắc quan. (Hou Ji was appointed by Emperor Yao as the Minister of Agriculture.)
Synonyms
- Agricultural deity: A god or divine figure linked to farming.
- Cultural hero: A legendary figure who contributes profoundly to a culture's foundations.
Related Cultural Concepts
- Thần Nông: Shennong, another mythical Chinese figure associated with agriculture and medicine, often discussed alongside Hậu Tắc in the context of early agrarian innovation.
- Nhà Chu: The Zhou Dynasty, which claimed descent from Hậu Tắc, using this lineage to legitimize its rule.