The fact is that these fly whisks were also seen as a kind of weapon by the eunuchs. However, the actual use of this weapon is far from what later generations imagined.
Since ancient times, the fly whisk has been regarded as a sacred object associated with the image of Taoist priests in Chinese culture. For this reason, the ancients often said of this item: “Holding a fly whisk, one is not an ordinary person.”
However, in reality, the fly whisk is also an object closely linked to another class in Chinese feudal society: the eunuchs.
What is noteworthy is that in the hands of the eunuchs, this object has uses that few could have imagined. So what reason made the fly whisk almost an inseparable item for Chinese eunuchs?
The fly whisk is made from animal fur or hemp fiber, originating from India, and is considered a ritual tool of ancient monks. This is seen as an inseparable item for the monks, symbolizing the protection of peace.
An image of a eunuch holding a fly whisk in Chinese historical dramas that we often see.
The eunuchs also used this fly whisk to dust off dirt and clean items in places where the emperor was about to visit. If the emperor had stains or dust on him, the eunuchs were only allowed to use the fly whisk and could not use their hands to clean.
A special weapon hidden behind each fly whisk of the eunuchs
In addition to its basic function of dusting off, the fly whisk of the eunuchs was also considered a type of weapon. However, this weapon is not something that can take a life in an instant, as later generations might imagine, but is used to… ward off evil!
According to Taoist beliefs, the fly whisk is often known as a magical tool of mythological figures. A typical example is the Supreme Elderly Lord – a deity who always carries a fly whisk with him.
For this reason, this object often gives others a sense of transcendence, and the ancients even believed that it had the power to ward off evil.
Making the fly whisk an inseparable item for this class would increase luck.
In ancient times, the royal families of every dynasty hoped that their palaces would always be filled with auspicious and favorable things.
Based on this belief, the ruling class at that time was willing to do everything to increase their fortune. Allowing the eunuchs to carry the fly whisk was part of that.
They believed that making the fly whisk an inseparable item for this class would increase luck and also serve to eliminate evil spirits or misfortunes.
This is one of the reasons why the fly whisk became a “weapon” often associated with the image of Chinese eunuchs in ancient times.
However, in reality, as time went on, the fly whisk gradually became an item to signify the rank of the eunuchs, with not every eunuch having the opportunity to hold one.
Additionally, some opinions suggest that this item symbolizes those who have been castrated. Therefore, eunuchs always had to carry it as a reminder of their status, thus reinforcing their loyalty to their masters, and not to indulge in vain aspirations for wealth or power.
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