Legend has it that the name “Forbidden City” in Beijing, China means “Purple Forbidden City.”
In terms of Chinese characters, the word “Zi” means purple, based on a mythology: Zi Wei Yuan is the residence of Heaven, and since the Emperor is considered the Son of Heaven, his residence is also called “Zi.” The term “Forbidden City” refers to the area that ordinary people are prohibited from entering.
Forbidden City has existed for over 600 years, from the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty to Puyi, experiencing countless ups and downs. Many strange and inexplicable events have also occurred here. People say that those who work around the Forbidden City often encounter some unusual phenomena without reasonable explanations.
It is well-known that ancient emperors, influenced by feudal society, were very concerned about feng shui, leading to many bizarre legends surrounding the Forbidden City.
For instance, on stormy days with thunder and lightning, images of beautiful concubines are said to appear on the walls of the Forbidden City. Many believe that it is inadvisable to visit the Forbidden City at night.
Flocks of crows often stop by the Forbidden City. (Photo: Kknews)
Additionally, there is a story about flocks of crows flying in from the northwest of the Forbidden City every morning for over six years, even when the place was deserted.
According to local residents, these crows always fly southeast and some rest on the walls of the Forbidden City. In the evening, they return along the same route and reappear early the next morning. This phenomenon has continued for six years without interruption.
Some speculate that the crows appear in the Forbidden City because they can sense the “smell of death” from the Qing Dynasty long ago, as crows are often found in places associated with death.
The reason crows “stop by” here is that many people in the palace met their demise. There are many rumors surrounding this event.
However, the truth is that crows are considered a good omen by the Manchu people.
Legend has it that when Nurhaci was defeated and fled, just as he was about to be captured by the enemy, a flock of crows swooped down to shield him from the enemy’s search.
Therefore, to “show gratitude” to the crows, the Forbidden City built a special place for them to feed. After hundreds of years, they have developed the habit of visiting this place.
Emperor Hong Taiji even specifically ordered that crows should not be harmed and constructed a “sacred pillar” to worship Heaven, on top of which meat and grains were placed for the crows.
This is one reason, and another is due to the urban heat island effect.
This phenomenon occurs when cities replace natural soil cover with dense layers of pavement, buildings, and other heat-absorbing surfaces. As a result, urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding suburban areas.
According to experts, within the Forbidden City, each courtyard has a separate wall. These walls not only serve to separate spaces but also act as fire protection and shield against cold winds in winter. Moreover, most of the palaces in the Forbidden City face north and south, a design that benefits from natural sunlight for heating.
The Forbidden City is a deserted place with relatively high temperatures, making it an ideal refuge for them. Due to its central city location, experiencing the highest outdoor temperatures in Beijing along with a significant number of trees and ancient architectural structures, the Forbidden City becomes a perfect shelter for the crows.
In conclusion, the frequent appearance of these crows here is simply due to long-standing habits combined with some specific geographical factors.
