Princess
Overview
A princess (공주, 公主) is a title given to the daughter of a king or emperor in a monarchy. In East Asia, it primarily refers to the daughters of Chinese emperors, Korean kings, or Japanese emperors, while in the West, it is called a princess. Beyond a mere bloodline status, princesses have played roles in political alliances, cultural symbolism, and social functions. This document covers the origins, historical evolution, major examples, and modern significance of princesses.
Main Content
Origin and Etymology
The term 'princess' (공주) has been used since the Zhou Dynasty in China. According to the Rites of Zhou (周禮), the emperor's daughter was called 'Wanghui' (王姬), but when a feudal lord married the emperor's daughter, the ceremony was presided over by a 'Duke' (公), leading to the title 'princess' (공주). In Korea, from the Three Kingdoms period through Goryeo and Joseon, the king's daughter was called a princess. During the Joseon Dynasty, daughters born to the queen were called 'gongju' (공주), while those born to concubines were called 'ongju' (옹주, 翁主). In Japan, the title 'naishinnō' (内親王) was used.
Historical Role
Princesses were often used as tools to strengthen alliances between nations through political marriages. For example, Princess Pyeonggang of Goguryeo is famous for her marriage to General On Dal, and Wang Zhaojun of China's Han Dynasty was married off to the Xiongnu for peace. Additionally, princesses also served as patrons of culture and learning. In the Joseon Dynasty, princesses learned court etiquette and occasionally offered political advice, but generally had limited activities within the palace.
Major Examples
- Korea: Notable princesses include Princess Seonhwa (Silla), Princess Pyeonggang (Goguryeo), and Princess Deokhye (late Joseon). Princess Deokhye was forcibly taken to Japan during the Japanese colonial period and lived a tragic life.
- China: Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty married into Tibet and contributed to the spread of Buddhism, while the Gūrún princesses of the Qing Dynasty married Manchu nobles.
- West: Princess Diana of the United Kingdom is a symbol of the modern princess, greatly influencing charity work and popular culture.
- Japan: Princess Takako, daughter of Emperor Shōwa, symbolizes changes in the post-war Japanese imperial family.
Modern Significance
In modern times, the princess is no longer merely a bloodline status but has become a cultural icon. Disney's animated princesses provide dreams and fantasies to children worldwide, while real-life royal princesses actively engage in charity and public diplomacy. For example, Queen Letizia of Spain (formerly a princess) and Kate Middleton (Duchess) of the United Kingdom have redefined the image of the modern princess.
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, perceptions of princesses are becoming more diverse. In the Japanese imperial family, the issue of female royals losing their status after marriage is under discussion, while in the British royal family, Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, has challenged traditional princess roles. Additionally, media content such as the Netflix series The Crown has reexamined the private lives and political roles of princesses, drawing public interest. Meanwhile, Disney has emphasized diversity through non-Western princess characters like Moana and Raya. These trends show that the princess is not just a fairy-tale figure but a symbol reflecting social change.
Related Topics
- [[Royal family]]
- [[Ongju]]
- [[Princess]]
- [[Monarchy]]
- [[Disney Princess]]
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