Bird cage, as its name implies, is a fence like a bird cage, which is specially used for imperial examinations. In ancient times, birdcages were usually made of bamboo and wood, round or square in shape and about six feet high. The birdcage is equipped with examinee seats, examiners' desks and chairs and other facilities, which can accommodate hundreds of people to take the exam at the same time.
The symbolism of birdcage is also very important. First of all, the birdcage itself is a device for holding birds, so it echoes the "top scholar" in the imperial examination, meaning "out of the birdcage, climbing branches". Secondly, the birdcage also symbolizes the strictness and closure of the imperial examination. Once the candidates enter the birdcage, they need to adapt to this environment as soon as possible and have a tense exam.
In ancient times, birdcage was not only an examination place, but also a place for candidates to hone themselves and communicate with each other. Before the exam, candidates will gather near the birdcage to discuss their review experience and strategies. During the examination, candidates can also improve their ability to take exams by observing the answers and performances of other candidates.
With the changes of the times, the imperial examination system was gradually abolished, and the concept of birdcage as an examination place gradually faded out of people's field of vision. However, as a symbol of the ancient imperial examination, birdcage still has important historical and cultural value, and it has become a window for people to understand the ancient imperial examination culture in China.
As an important part of the ancient imperial examination, birdcage bears the historical memory of countless candidates' hard struggle and pursuit of official dreams. Although the imperial examination system has been abolished, the study of birdcages is still of great value. By understanding the historical and cultural background of birdcage, we can better understand the development and evolution of ancient imperial examination culture in China, and at the same time, we can better experience and feel the style and atmosphere of that era.
Summary: In a word, the examination room of the ancient imperial examination is called a birdcage, which is not only used as an examination place, but also a place for candidates to communicate with each other and hone themselves. Bird cages also have important symbolic significance and play a special role in the development of imperial examination culture.