📖 Meaning
To model after King Wu and revere King Wen of the Zhou dynasty. It refers to honoring and continuing the virtues of one's ancestors, both martial and civil. The idiom expresses deep reverence for ancestral legacy.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Southern Dynasties Liang dynasty, in Wang Zhong's inscription 'Stele Inscription for the Head Temple' (头陀寺碑文). The text praises the Qi dynasty for inheriting the great name of the Five Emperors and continuing the lost legacy of the Three Kings, extolling the virtue of revering both King Wu (martial) and King Wen (civil). King Wen and King Wu were the founding figures of the Zhou dynasty, celebrated for their civil governance and martial achievements respectively. The idiom came to signify honoring ancestral virtues across generations.
💡 Example Usage
朝廷祖武宗文，以先王之德教化天下。
The imperial court honored the martial and civil virtues of its ancestors, using the wisdom of former kings to bring enlightenment to the realm.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 祖武宗文
- Pinyin: zǔ wǔ zōng wén
- Literal Translation: model after, martial, revere, civil
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4