Story Summary
Experience the legendary Oath of the Peach Garden, where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei pledge eternal brotherhood to save China during the Han Dynasty's fall.
During the twilight of the Han Dynasty, chaos gripped China as the Yellow Turban Rebellion spread across the land. In Zhuo County, three men from different walks of life crossed paths: Liu Bei, a humble straw-mat seller of noble lineage; Guan Yu, a towering fugitive with a majestic beard; and Zhang Fei, a wealthy, hot-tempered butcher. Finding they shared a common desire to restore peace to the empire, they gathered in a blooming peach orchard behind Zhang Fei’s home. Amidst the falling pink blossoms, they burned incense and sacrificed a black ox and a white horse. They knelt together and swore a sacred oath: though born on different days, they would die on the same day. They pledged to work as one to rescue the distressed and serve the state, binding their fates together as brothers closer than blood. This legendary bond became the cornerstone of the Kingdom of Shu and a symbol of ultimate loyalty for centuries to come.
The Moral
True brotherhood and honor are defined by a shared commitment to virtue and the common good rather than by blood relations.
“We ask not to be born on the same day, but we seek to die on the same day.”
Fun Fact
The oath is so culturally significant that Guan Yu is now worshipped as a deity of loyalty and war (Guan Gong) in many parts of Asia, with shrines often referencing this brotherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Oath of the Peach Garden?
The story emphasizes that loyalty, shared values, and a commitment to righteousness are the foundations of true brotherhood. It teaches that one's chosen family can be just as significant, if not more so, than one's biological family.
Is the Oath of the Peach Garden based on a true historical event?
While Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were real historical figures who were very close, the specific ceremony in the peach garden is a fictional dramatization from the 14th-century novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' Historical records simply state they were as close as brothers.
What did the three heroes sacrifice during their oath?
According to the legend, the three men sacrificed a black ox and a white horse to the heavens and the earth. This ritual was a traditional way to seal a solemn and binding contract or oath in ancient Chinese culture.
In which famous book does this story appear?
The story is the opening event of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It sets the stage for the epic conflicts between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu.
What was the main goal of the three brothers?
Their primary objective was to suppress the Yellow Turban Rebellion and restore the power of the declining Han Dynasty. They aimed to protect the common people and bring stability to a fractured and warring nation.
Why is the peach orchard significant in Chinese culture?
In Chinese culture, peach blossoms symbolize vitality, spring, and renewal. The setting of the orchard represents the birth of a new, virtuous cause and has since become an iconic symbol of fraternal loyalty and romanticized heroism.
