Wei Zhongxian was a famous eunuch at the end of the Ming Dynasty, who held a very high status and power in the court. It was rumored that he once cut off a palace maid's lucky finger, a story that caused widespread concern and discussion in history. So, what does Wei Zhongxian's cutting off the palace maid's lucky finger mean? This question has always puzzled historians and cultural scholars.

I. Background Introduction

Wei Zhongxian was a special figure at the end of the Ming Dynasty. Born into a poor family, he rose to become a eunuch through his own talent and wits. In the court, he gained the trust and appreciation of the emperor, gradually becoming a powerful official. During his reign, a series of political events and social unrest occurred, among which the most famous was the story of him cutting off the palace maid's lucky finger.

II. The Meaning of Lucky Finger

Lucky finger was a traditional custom in ancient China. People believed that wearing a lucky finger could attract good luck and wealth. Lucky fingers were usually made of precious materials such as gold, silver, and gemstones, and their shapes varied. Some lucky fingers were round, symbolizing reunion and completeness, while others were square or rectangular, implying stability and longevity.

III. The Significance of Wei Zhongxian Cutting Off the Palace Maid's Lucky Finger

The story of Wei Zhongxian cutting off the palace maid's lucky finger is widely circulated. It was said that at that time, a palace maid was wearing a very precious lucky finger, and when Wei Zhongxian saw it, he ordered his men to capture the maid and cut off her lucky finger. What is the significance of this story? Some believe that it represents a greed for wealth and an infringement of women's rights, while others believe that it is a political tactic used to intimidate other officials and the public.

IV. Conclusion

The story of Wei Zhongxian cutting off the palace maid's lucky finger is a controversial historical event. It reflects some problems and contradictions in society at that time, and also triggers people's thinking about traditional culture and values. Regardless of the authenticity of this story, we should cherish our traditional culture and values, and respect women's rights and dignity.

　　Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement of your original copyright, please inform us and we will delete the relevant content as soon as possible.