The words "Hua" and "Xia" were universal in ancient times. In ancient books, "Hua" and "Xia" both represent the Central Plains, and in pre-Qin books, "Zhu Xia" or "Zhu Hua" also have the same meaning. For example, in Zuo Zhuan, "people don't seek summer, and foreigners don't mess with China" proves this point.
The earliest historical records recorded that "Hua" and "Xia" were used together, and collectively called "Huaxia" appeared in the Spring and Autumn Period. In Shangshu Zhou Shu Wucheng, "Huaxia is arrogant, but it doesn't condescend."
First, "summer" originated from summer water.
Summer water, ancient water name. According to the Water Classic Note, the old road branches from the southeast of Shashi City, Hubei Province, flows through the north of Jianli County, and turns northeast near Mianyang County to join the Hanshui River. Henceforth, the Hanshui River below is also called launching. Hanshui.
Hanshui River originates from the north to the south in Jizhong Mountain, Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province. Now, there is a saying: "The mountain maze leads to overflow, and the east flow is Korea." The Hanshui River runoff runs through Sichuan, Shaanxi, Henan and Hubei provinces, and is a waterway connecting the north and the south in the ancient hinterland of China. Hanshui provides the most economical and convenient traffic conditions for people, logistics and information flow.
Summer water plays a vital role in the reproduction of the ancients, so it is possible to respect "summer".
Second, "Xia" originated from Xia nationality.
According to legend, about 5000 years ago, there were many tribes in the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, among which there were Xia people. It is active in today's Gansu, Henan and Shanxi areas. Due to the change of natural environment, Xia people have been migrating. The branch of eastward migration is called Eastern Xia, the place of westward migration is called Xixia, and the native place is called Daxia.
In Zuo Zhuan, "descendants" who don't seek summer abound. "Summer" refers to the Central Plains, which means that people outside China are not allowed to seek the Central Plains. The Central Plains was the territory of Xia nationality for a long time.
Third, "Xia" originated from the Xia Dynasty.
Xia Dynasty was a slave country founded on the Loess Plateau, which was founded by Qi, the legendary son of Yu.
Because the Xia Dynasty was the first dynasty in the history of China, it had the highest education level and the greatest influence among all dynasties, leaving an indelible mark on history. Therefore, people call this place with highly developed culture "summer".
There is a saying in Shuowen: "In summer, people in China are also. It is different from Germany in the north, Italy in the east, Minnan, Xiqiang, the corner of southwest and Yi in the east. Cheyenne is of great significance. "
The first dynasty was named after Yu Xia's "Xia", which is of great significance.
Since "Xia" means "Xia nationality", why can't "Hua" represent "Chinese nation"?
As we all know, the descendants of China are also called descendants of the Yellow Emperor, after the two ancestors of Emperor Yan and Huangdi.
The Yellow Emperor is the leader of the Xia nationality, who led the Xia nationality to establish its dominant position.
On the other hand, Emperor Yan, who got the throne because he knew how to use fire, is now in exile.
Emperor Yan has made great contributions to the survival, reproduction and development of the Chinese nation, and its significance is far greater than his role as the leader of the Chinese nation. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that "Huaxia" takes the meaning of "Hua" from China, but it always feels a little less interesting.
However, no matter where the word "Huaxia" comes from, "descendants of Huaxia" must be the most proud title of every Chinese.