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Hakuchi (era) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Hakuchi (白雉) was a Japanese era name (年号,, nengō,, lit. "year name") after the Taika era and before Shuchō in 686. This period started in February 650 and ended in December 654. The reigning emperor was Kōtoku-tennō (孝徳天皇).

History

In 650 (Taika 6, The daimyo of Nagato Province brought a white pheasant to the court as a gift for the emperor. It was considered to be a good omen, and the emperor caused the nengō to be changed to Hakuchi (meaning "white pheasant").

In Japan, this was the second nengō, which was developed from the Chinese system of eras (nianhao). It became an example of growth in political power.

Timeline

Timelines of early Japanese nengō and Imperial reign dates
Emperor Mommu Empress Jitō Emperor Temmu Emperor Kōbun Emperor Tenji Empress Saimei Emperor Kōtoku Keiun Taihō (era) Shuchō Hakuchi (era) Taika (era) Empress Gemmei Empress Kōgyoku

The system of Japanese era names was not the same as Imperial reign dates.

Events of the Hakuchi era

  • 650 (Hakuchi 1): Kōtoku commanded that all prisoners were to be granted liberty throughout the country.
  • 654 (Hakuchi 5, 1st month): A great number of rats moved into Yamato Province; and this was construed as a sign that the capital should be moved.
  • 654 (Hakuchi 5): Kōtoku died at the age of 59 after a reign of 5 years during Taika and 5 years during Hakuchi.

Related pages

  • National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection


Hakuchi 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Gregorian 650 651 652 653 654
Preceded by:
Taika
Era or nengō:
Hakuchi
Succeeded by:
——
Preceded by:
——
Imperial reign:
Kōtoku period
645—654
Succeeded by:
Saimei period
655—661

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Hakuchi (era) para niños

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Hakuchi (era) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.