Introduction
The history of Chinese sword is very deep and has some roots of legendary past. Chinese swords were powerful and had their own names; they considered to be male or female with magic ability to express sounds of the nature and illuminate the dark. Chinese swords were made of gold and their main calling was to frighten the evil and dissolve strange spirits. The history of Chinese swords shows and proves that they meant a lot for the nation in that time being symbols of the country and leaving a great print in the world history.
Prehistoric times in the development of Chinese history are known for the creation of the stone swords. The first Chinese swords had the Jian type and were made of bronze with short blades of 14 inches. The development of the Chinese history influenced and improved its swords. Some time later, in the VI century, Chinese swords had better hollow hilts, strengthened tangs and their blades were longer than before. (Dolbear, 2008)
Main body
Chinese swords developed and were improved from year to year and very soon steel and iron were introduced and involved into the process of swords creation and their design. At the period of late Tang period the first Dao was introduced and considered to be the only cutting weapon having the form of halberds. These swords were predominantly used by the military and by the cavalry.
Later period of Qing brought the most significant and surviving swords to the history of Chinese weapons. XVII-XVIII centuries showed the examples of jeweled swords which were made specially for the Imperial Court. Many of Dao swords of that period were made for officials, to be more exact Manchu officials.
As a result of the history influence on the modern Chinese swords, current weapons have the same design and are based on the examples of the historic creations.
Though the development of Chinese swords left a positive print in the world history, it underwent some negative aspects either. Chinese weapon is considered to be technologically advanced in the history of humanity and was recognized one of the most graceful in the world. But its history of development suffered continuity. There were some periods when these Chinese swords gained incredible heights, but unfortunately the methods and ways of sword creation were not known to the publicity and to the specialists as they were considered to be military secrets. That is why some incredible secrets of art were not transformed from generation to generation and even died with that time, though they could be heritage of the nation. (Ko, 2002)
The process of Chinese sword making was considered to be rather difficult and took a lot of efforts and imagination. Its design was unique and individual, and it is important to stress that it remained the same at the present period of Chinese history. Nowadays people who are busy with sword making have read a lot of antique books, examine ancient poems and songs for them to discover old methods and some secrets of perfect sword creation in order to reflect some episodes of life from early events of nation’s life.
It is very difficult to make such wonderful and professional weapon which considered being symbol of the whole Chinese history and its nation and traditions. Chinese swords express the peculiarities of war events between the tribes and the countries in different periods of time as they were used by the whole armies during Great War campaign and global battles for independence and freedom. Masters of present time try to reflect all the peculiarities of ancient Chinese swords for them to understand the spirit of the history.
Nowadays Chinese weapon still remains the symbol of the nation and of the country. Over the last centuries the meaning and the power of the Chinese swords still remained unchanged and continues to be important and significant for the Chinese society. Chinese swords are widely used by Samurais as they considered to be their soul and the only weapon that exists. (Winston, 2005)
It is important to underline the fact that nowadays Chinese swords are compared with European ones, though there are certain vivid differences; these differences lie in functions and styles of weapon. Attitude of the Chinese nation to national weapon is more significant and important; for Europeans this kind of weapon never considered to be the soul of the nation and its power and protection. It is necessary to highlight the meaning of Chinese sword for the country. This weapon is considered to be magic and spiritual; it is the language of the previous centuries and it contains great power of kindness and wealth. (Paul, 2002)
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion one should stress that for most people China is known for its wonderful swords and a lot of tourists from the whole world visit this country to admire its weapon and evaluate its meaning for the nation. Chinese swords are considered to be the heritage and wealth not only of China though of the whole world.
References
Dolbear, D. (2008). An Introduction to Antique Swords of the Qing Dynasty Period. NY.
Ko, A. (2002). The Development of Swords through the Ages. Chronological addition.
Morton, E. W. & Ralph, D. E. (2005). Society, Ethics and Technology. 3rd Edition.
Paul, M. (2002). Chinese Swords for Sale. Swords of the East. Informational Magazine.
Myths about Chinese Swordsmanship. (2005). Web.