The phrase "臥薪嘗胆" (gashinshoutan) is well-known among the Japanese, especially in the context of the Triple Intervention after the First Sino-Japanese War.
However, the origin of this expression lies in an ancient Chinese tale.
Let's delve into the story:
During the Spring and Autumn period in China, there was a courageous king named Goujian from the state of Yue. After his kingdom was conquered by an enemy state, Goujian endured immense suffering and vowed revenge.
Every night, he slept on a bed of hard, painful firewood (the "臥薪" part) and tasted bitter gall (the "嘗胆" part) to keep his determination for revenge alive.
Three years later, he finally defeated the enemy king, Fuchai, atop Mount Kuaiji (会稽山).
In essence, "Gashinshoutan" symbolizes relentless effort and perseverance in the face of adversity to achieve one's goals.
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Meaning of Gashinshoutan
The phrase "Gashinshoutan" in Japanese refers to enduring hardships and self-imposed struggles to achieve revenge or accomplish a significant goal.
It combines two components:
- 臥薪 (gashin): Literally, it means "to lie on firewood." This represents waiting for an enemy's attack while lying on a bed of firewood.
- 嘗胆 (shoutan): Refers to tasting the bitterness of a cow's gallbladder, symbolizing renewed determination for revenge.
Origin of “Gashin”
The historical context of this tale unfolds during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China, involving two kingdoms: Wu and Yue.
Wu was a powerful state, while Yue was relatively smaller.
According to the Chinese historical text "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji), around the late 6th century BCE, King Helü of Wu sought revenge against Yue after suffering a prior attack.
However, he faced defeat and succumbed to his injuries, eventually passing away.
Before his death, King Helü entrusted his successor, King Fuchai (also known as King Goujian), with a fervent wish:
Ensure vengeance and someday overthrow Yue!
In response, King Fuchai vowed:
Within three years, I will exact revenge!
True to his word, King Fuchai dedicated himself to strengthening Wu's military capabilities.
Meanwhile, he endured hardships by sleeping on a bed of firewood to keep the humiliation fresh in his memory:
Lying on brushwood became synonymous with determination and resilience—臥薪 (gashin).
Soon after, King Fuchai launched an invasion against Yue, defeating King Goujian's forces. It marked the triumphant moment of his revenge.
Origin of “Shoutan”
Now, let's delve into the origin of the second component, "嘗胆" (shoutan).
After being invaded by King Fuchai, King Goujian of Yue ultimately surrendered, following the advice of his subordinates.
Post-surrender, King Goujian endured further hardships, including serving as a stable boy in King Fuchai's horse stable.
Determined never to forget this humiliation, King Goujian returned to Yue and focused on strengthening his nation.
Simultaneously, he tasted the bitterness of a cow's gallbladder (嘗胆) to keep the memory alive.
Meanwhile, King Fuchai of Wu, intoxicated by his growing power, aspired to become the supreme ruler of China:
Let me be the conqueror!
He sent troops to weaken other states, even executing loyal ministers who had served him faithfully for years.
Twenty years after Yue's defeat, King Goujian seized the opportunity and launched a counterattack against Wu, achieving a resounding victory.
King Fuchai contemplated surrender, but King Goujian refused to allow his return as king, leading to King Fuchai's tragic suicide.
In summary, this tale embodies enduring hardships, unwavering determination, and the pursuit of vengeance—Gashinshoutan—a legacy etched into Chinese history.
Lessons from the story
The tale of "Gashinshoutan" provides us with valuable lessons:
- To achieve our goals, patience and effort are essential.
- Overcoming adversaries requires strategy and planning.
- Even in the face of adversity, we must not lose hope.
Origin of "Gashinshoutan"
Interestingly, the components 臥薪 (gashin) and 嘗胆 (shoutan) were originally separate words.
In the ancient Chinese text "Records of the Grand Historian" (Shiji) from the 1st century BCE, only Shoutan appeared, and it wasn't combined with Gashin.
The phrase Gashinshoutan as a four-character idiom emerged later, around the 12th to 13th centuries, in Chinese poetry.
By combining the previously distinct terms, it became widely recognized.
Japanese Context of "Gashinshoutan"
In Japan, Gashinshoutan gained prominence during the Triple Intervention period.
What was the Triple Intervention?
The backdrop is World War I.
Japan emerged victorious in a war against China (then known as the Qing Dynasty).
As part of the post-war peace treaty (an agreement made after conflicts to reconcile), Japan was granted the Liaodong Peninsula by China.
However, there was a country that opposed this decision: Russia.
Wait, if Japan occupies the Liaodong Peninsula, won't they also take over Manchuria? Manchuria is crucial for our ice-free port (a port that doesn't freeze). We can't let Japan have it. Seriously, Japan should withdraw!
Russia, with the support of Germany and France, interfered in the peace treaty, demanding the return of the Liaodong Peninsula.
- Russia
- Germany
- France
This interference by the three nations—Russia, Germany, and France—became known as the Triple Intervention.
Despite Japanese citizens' resistance to this interference, Japan lacked the strength to confront these three powerful countries.
Reluctantly, the Japanese government returned the Liaodong Peninsula.
At that moment, the Japanese government's slogan was "Gashinshoutan"—a testament to their deep frustration.
This event intensified Japanese resentment toward Russia.
In summary, the tale of "Gashinshoutan" embodies enduring hardships, unwavering determination, and the pursuit of vengeance—a legacy etched into both Chinese and Japanese history.