Hakuchi (era) facts for kids
The Hakuchi (pronounced HAH-koo-chee) era was a special time period in Japan. It was a way to count years, like how we use "AD" or "CE" today. This era came right after the Taika era. It lasted from February 650 to December 654. The emperor during this time was Emperor Kōtoku.
History of the Hakuchi Era
The Hakuchi era began in 650. This happened because a special gift was brought to the emperor. The leader of a place called Nagato Province gave Emperor Kōtoku a rare white pheasant. People believed that seeing a white pheasant was a very good sign. It meant good luck and peace. Because of this happy event, the emperor decided to change the name of the era to Hakuchi. Hakuchi means "white pheasant" in Japanese.
This system of naming eras, called nengō, came from China. Japan started using it to show its growing power. The nengō system helped to organize time and important events. It was different from just counting the years an emperor ruled.
Important Events During Hakuchi
- 650 (Hakuchi 1): Emperor Kōtoku made a big decision. He ordered that all prisoners in the country should be set free. This was a kind act at the start of the new era.
- 654 (Hakuchi 5): Something strange happened in Yamato Province. Many rats appeared. People at the time thought this was a sign. They believed it meant the capital city should be moved to a new place.
- 654 (Hakuchi 5): Emperor Kōtoku passed away. He was 59 years old. He had been emperor for five years during the Taika era and five years during the Hakuchi era.
See also
- Asuka period
- National Diet Library, "The Japanese Calendar" -- historical overview plus illustrative images from library's collection
In Spanish: Hakuchi (era) para niños
