Zhao also means "the sun and the moon are in the sky". Wu Zetian had the ambition of being an emperor, so he changed his name to Wu Zhao. Wu Zetian, the most famous female emperor in Chinese history, can be said to be one of the most famous emperors in the history of Chinese civilization throughout the ages. In addition to the name "Wu Zetian", after she ascended the throne and proclaimed herself emperor, she also took a new name for herself, called "Wu Zhao". Her real surname is Wu, but why did she change her name to the word "曌" that is difficult to pronounce? What is the deep meaning behind this word, and what hidden secret is there that is not known to everyone? Why did Wu Zetian take the name Wu Zhao?
曌 means "the sun and the moon are in the sky". When we take the word "曌" apart and look at it, we find that the sun and the moon are above the sky, symbolizing the light shining on the earth. This is indeed a name that has profound meaning and is very domineering. As an empress who cared about the country and benefited the common people, Wu Zetian naturally loved this word. Interpreted from another perspective, according to the backward concept of ancient times, a woman becoming an emperor is like "female chicken sitting in the morning", which is inconsistent with tradition. But the sun and moon are great creatures that illuminate all things and nourish the heaven and earth. Therefore, women also have the ability to govern the country. This is another reason why Wu Zetian named her "Zhao".
The word ?曌? also has a Buddhist charm. Friends who are familiar with the history of Buddhism may know that according to legend, when the Buddha Sakyamuni was born, he once walked seven steps around, and lotus flowers grew out one after another under his feet, pointing to the sky and drawing the earth, claiming that "heaven and earth, I am the only one who is the only one", and even The body emits light and can illuminate the world in all directions. This is of course a religious legend, but Wu Zetian herself is a devout Buddhist believer, and she usually refers to herself as the reincarnation of the future Buddha. The word "曌" means "Ming" on the top and "empty" on the bottom. It has a very Buddhist charm and covers the story of the birth of the Buddha. How could Wu Zetian not like such a name that "kills two birds with one stone", or even "kills three birds with one stone"?
To sum up, Zhao means the sun and the moon in the sky. The reason why Wu Zetian was named Wu Zhao was because she had the ambition of an emperor.