Manchu Ethnic Minority – The Manchu people , originally from the Northeastern region of China and originally known as the Jurchens, have a rich and influential history in the development of the Chinese empire. As the fifth largest ethnic group in China today, after the Han, Zhuang, Uighur, and Hui, they played a key role in establishing the Qing Dynasty which ruled for over 250 years.
Their lifestyle, rooted in sedentary agriculture, skilled hunting, and the influence of traditional beliefs and Tibetan Buddhism, created a unique identity that sets them apart from other ethnic groups in China. The story of the Manchus is a reflection of their strength of determination and adaptability in the face of historical challenges and changing times.
Early History and Origins
The Manchus, originally called Jurchens, were an ethnic minority that gave the region of Manchuria its name. They rose to prominence by establishing the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), which ruled much of northern China. The Jin Dynasty was the main rival of the Liao Dynasty and engaged in ongoing conflict for control of Manchuria and other parts of China. However, in 1234, the Jin Dynasty fell to the Mongols.
The name “Manchu” came into use in the late 17th century. This tribe later founded the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) after taking over the capital Beijing from the Ming Dynasty which had collapsed due to the Han Chinese rebellion. In doing so, the Manchu claimed the Mandate of Heaven and established a new empire that would be the last dynasty in Chinese history.
Lifestyle and Beliefs
Unlike the nomadic peoples around them, such as the Mongols and Uighurs, the Manchus were settled farmers. They grew traditional crops such as sorghum, millet, soybeans, and apples. They also adopted New World crops such as tobacco and corn. Their animal husbandry included raising cattle, oxen, and raising silkworms.
Although largely sedentary, the Manchus shared the same love of hunting as the nomadic peoples to their west. Horseback archery, wrestling, and using falcons to hunt were valuable skills for Manchu men. The tradition of falconry is still carried on by some Manchus today.
Development of Religion and Belief
Before their second conquest of the Chinese Empire, the Manchus were primarily shamanists. Shamans offered sacrifices to the ancestral spirits of each Manchu clan and performed dances to cure illnesses and ward off evil.
However, during the Qing Dynasty, Chinese folk beliefs, including Confucianism and Tibetan Buddhism, seeped into Manchu culture. Many Manchu elites adopted Confucianism, while some others embraced Tibetan Buddhism, an influence that had existed since the 10th to 13th centuries.
Manchu women had a more assertive and equal position with men compared to Han women. Girls’ feet were never bound in Manchu families, as the practice was strictly forbidden. However, by the early 20th century, many Manchus had assimilated into Chinese culture, including in some aspects of gender.
The Rise and Fall of the Qing Dynasty
In April 1644, Han Chinese rebels sacked the Ming Dynasty capital of Beijing. A Ming general then invited the Manchu army to help retake the capital. The Manchus gladly complied, but instead of returning the capital to Han control, they announced that the Mandate of Heaven was now in their hands.
The Manchus installed Prince Fulin as the Shunzhi Emperor of the new Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty ruled China until 1911, marking the end of the imperial era in Chinese history.
Manchuria Name Controversy
The origin of the name “Manchuria” is often controversial. The name comes from the adoption of the Japanese name “Manshu” which was used in the 19th century. The Japanese Empire wanted to free the region from Chinese influence and then annexed it in the early 20th century.
The Manchus and Chinese did not use the term, and in a modern context, it is considered problematic due to its association with Japanese imperialism. Chinese sources generally refer to the region as the “Northeast” or the “Three Northeastern Provinces.”
Manchu Heritage Today
Today, there are more than 10 million Manchus in the People’s Republic of China. However, only a handful of elderly people in remote Manchuria can still speak Manchu. Nevertheless, the Manchu influence is still felt in many aspects of Chinese culture and history. The Manchus built a dynasty that ushered in a new era of Imperial China, and their story is a reminder of the power of determination and strategy in achieving goals.
The Manchus are one of the most important ethnic groups in Chinese history who have made significant contributions through the founding of the Qing Dynasty. From their beginnings as settled farmers to becoming the rulers of China’s last great empire, the Manchus have shown remarkable adaptability and resilience. Although assimilation into Han culture has diminished some of their unique traditions, the Manchu heritage lives on and is an integral part of modern Chinese history and identity.
