The story of The Man Who Tried to Steal a Bell (in Chinese: 掩耳盗铃 yǎn ěr dào líng) was originally a caution against rulers refusing to listen to good advice, but later became used as an idiom meaning a person who deceives himself as well as others.
Read on to find out more about the story and listen to our narration!
Press play to hear AJ narrate the story to you!
The story takes place in the Spring and Autumn Period (771-476BC), a period of upheaval as states fought each other. It is taken from a book called Mr. Lü’s Spring and Autumn annals (not to be confused with the actual Spring and Autumn Annals that it was named after, which is the official chronicle of events that happened in the State of Lu (魯)). It was compiled in the late 230s BC, and was a kind of compendium of contemporary philosophical thought.
The families in the story were all part of the State of Jin (晋). This period was during China’s Bronze Age, and bronze items, large ones especially, would have been very valuable, as illustrated in the story. Bronze at the time was used for weapons, such as the points of spears, and also for ritual vessels, as well as bells. Every large building such as a palace, temple or large residences for the very wealthy, would have had a drum and bell (set in towers if possible) for time-keeping and ceremonial use.
Which classic Chinese tale should we read next? Let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing your thoughts and insights!
Photo Credits
– Metropolitan Museum of Art; Cultural Keys
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Cultural Keys helps people access, understand and experience the traditional culture of China. Click the image above to read more about Cultural Keys and what we can do for you, your school, company or organisation to help you get more out of your time in China!