There are many idioms containing the word "kun" in ancient Chinese, and most of these idioms come from traditional culture or ancient poetry.
The more famous ones include "Kunshan Jade", "Kunlun Landscape", "Insect Mirror" and "Kunteng Dake Valley", etc. Some of these idioms are used to describe the beauty of natural scenery, while others are used to praise the heroic spirit or describe the heroic scenes of historical events, showing the essence and charm of Chinese culture.
Speaking of "Kunshan Jade", everyone will think of what the ancient poet Li Bai sang in "Jinjinjiu", "There will be times when the wind and waves break, and the clouds and sails will fly across the sea. Kunshan is flying everywhere." "Stones, sea water and mulberry fields have been waiting for a long time", which vividly describes the special features of Kunshan's rocks and a spirit that is difficult to conquer. This idiom was later extended to describe a person's noble character and firm character that is not easily shaken.
The "Kunlun Landscape" depicts the steep cliffs, high mountains and long waters of the Kunlun Mountains, the highest mountain system in northwest China. In ancient legends, Kunlun Mountain is a mythical place in the West, home to many gods and elixirs of immortality. Therefore, Kunlun Mountain is regarded as a symbol of welfare and longevity.
"Insects in front of the mirror" describes the mentality of individuals checking their own shortcomings during self-reflection. It also means that friends must be as clear as a mirror in order to learn from and improve each other. "Kuntengdake Valley" originated from the place Zhang Qian passed through when he was on his mission to the Western Regions in the Han Dynasty. It demonstrates the courage and fighting spirit of mankind to expand the frontier.
In Chinese culture, the word "Kun" has other important meanings. Among the more famous ones are "Jiu Kun" and "Jiu Kunlun". It is said that during the Zhou Dynasty, King Tai formulated a "Nine-Kun" official system, which divided people into nine levels, namely Kunlun, Kunshan, Kunlun, Kundu, Kunwu, Kungui, Kunling, Kunhuang and Kun Lu, using rewards, punishments and promotions as management tools.
The "Nine Kunlun" is a mythical place in the West in ancient legends. It is located on the Kunlun Mountains and is one of the important folklores in ancient Chinese culture. The Kunlun Mountains are the second highest mountain range in the world and one of nature's most precious treasures of resources. Traditional Chinese medicine and carvings with magical powers have been endowed with unique and moving connotations and cultural values.
In addition, in the dialects of some areas, the word "Kun" is also used to express kinship. For example, in Sichuan dialect, "Kunzhong" means brother and good friend, while in Hunan dialect, "Kunzhong" is used to describe the relationship between cousins.
In general, the word "Kun" has a very rich and important meaning in Chinese culture and is widely used in various fields. These cultural elements such as idioms, official systems, and legends are not only closely related to history, but also reflect Chinese culture’s understanding and pursuit of nature, human nature, and social group relationships.