East Asia Definitions

Define dynasty

a succession of rulers from the same family

Define patriarchal

dominated by men

Define sycretism

the blending of religions; particularly a popular religion with a local religion/culture

Define filial piety

the respect/worship of elders; particularly in Confucianism

Define flying cash

paper receipts used in place of coins during the copper coin shortage in East Asia

Define mandate of heaven

the belief that a Chinese emperor had a divine right to rule given to him by a deity/heavenly power

Define luxury goods

goods with high value and not necessary to own; often traded via silk road (ex. porcelain, gems, silk)

Define caravanaserai

roadside inns along the silk road; provided to travelers as an “oasis” to trade, relax, and recuperate

Define neo-confucianism

subgroup of Confucianism that combined Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism (Buddhist spirituality, Daoist metaphysicality/view of nature, Confucian leadership/government)

Define bureaucracy

people who make up the government; government-selected workers who facilitate governmental affairs

Define footbinding

practice of tightly tying/binding women’s feet with cloth to restrict foot growth; used as a sign of wealth/status in Ancient China

Define champa rice

a type of rice encountered by the Chinese in Vietnam; produced 2 crops per year and was ideal for China’s climate. Doubled China’s food supply and therefore population

Define meritocracy

Government system used in Ancient China wherein government officials were chosen based on intelligence/skill rather than social status, relationships, and wealth (in most cases)

Define civil service exam

exam administered by Ancient Chinese government; results determined the members of China’s bureaucracy; examinations included Confucian literature, values, history, etc.

Define scholar-gentry

a highly educated member of society, particularly a member of the bureaucracy

Define artisans

skilled craftsmen

Define tribute system

a system in which smaller countries recognized the Middle Kingdom (China) as their overlord in return for Chinese benefits including trade, gifts, etc.

Define shogun

military governer

Define isolationism

government ideology in which a state does not participate in foreign affairs or get involved with foreign politics (ex. Japan)

Define pastoralists

nomads who herded animals and migrated based on migration patterns of animals, local climate, etc.

Define tolerant

not persecuting or discriminatory toward other cultures, religions, etc.