April Zhang
What’s in a Name?
Shaping fates, tricking ghosts, and staying on the right side of the emperor
Names are a big thing in China, where parents believe that the right or wrong moniker can have a large impact on their child’s destiny.
Sure, scientists will call it superstition, but why tempt fate? Better to choose an auspicious name that reflects your blessing. A safe choice would be Changshou, which means “longevity,” or, for parents who have their own fates in mind, Yaozu, which means “make your ancestors proud.” In the past, parents disappointed by the birth of a daughter might try to bring future blessings on their own heads by naming their baby girl Zhaodi (“looking for a brother”) or Laidi (“bringing brother”).
