📖 Meaning
A metaphor for holding the reins of state power and exercising supreme authority over national affairs. The "balance" (衡) symbolizes justice and governance, while the "jade" (璇) represents imperial regalia and the mandate to rule.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom appears in the "Northern Qi Book: Annals of Emperor Wenxuan" (《北齐书·文宣帝纪》), a history of the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577 CE). It references the legendary sage kings Yao (放勋) and Shun (重华), who were said to have held the celestial symbols of authority — the jade tablet and the balance scale — as proof of their mandate to govern. The phrase was later abstracted into a general metaphor for wielding state power.
💡 Example Usage
持衡拥璇者当以天下苍生为念。
Those who hold the reins of state power should always keep the welfare of the common people in mind.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 持衡拥璇
- Pinyin: chí héng yōng xuán
- Literal Translation: hold balance, embrace jade
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4