Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, is often remembered for his communist ideologies and revolutionary practices. However, a lesser-known aspect of Mao’s life might surprise many, particularly those familiar with the history of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Let’s delve into Mao’s intriguing relationship with superstition and the mystical events surrounding his reign.
Mao Zedong’s hesitation to enter the Forbidden City
In 1949, as the CCP took control of Beijing, Mao and other party leaders settled on the city’s outskirts in what is now known as Wanshou Road. Despite being a half-hour drive from Beijing’s city center, Mao refrained from entering the city, even for short visits. It wasn’t until September 9th, more than six months later, that he cautiously moved into Zhongnanhai, close to the Forbidden City. But what held Mao back from entering Beijing sooner?
Consulting the Daoist sage
Mao Zedong was known to have a strong belief in Daoist divination. He referred to entering Beijing as “taking the exam” and he was particularly concerned about choosing the correct date for this significant move. Mao had heard of a Daoist sage in the Western Hills, reputed for his accurate divinations. After several failed attempts by his bodyguards to locate the sage, Mao sent a secretary who, to his surprise, encountered the sage halfway up the mountain.
The sage advised that the date for entering the city should have the most significant odd number, hinting at the number 9. He also warned that Mao Zedong’s fate was extraordinary and conflicted with past emperors, implying that the Forbidden City’s imperial aura was incompatible with Mao’s presence. Thus, Mao chose September 9th, 1949, at 9 a.m. to enter Beijing, and indeed, he never set foot inside the Forbidden City, only walking along its outer walls.
The story behind the number ‘8341’
Mao Zedong, who famously proclaimed that he feared neither Heaven nor Earth, was ironically a firm believer in fortune-telling. Many know that Mao’s personal guard unit was designated with the unique number “8341,” but the story behind this number is quite fascinating.
During the 1960s, facing failures in various policies and a decline in his influence, Mao Zedong sought reassurance from the Daoist sage again. Without even entering the mountains, the sage met Mao’s secretary at the foot of the hill and handed him a note with “8341” written on it before departing. Puzzled by the cryptic message, Mao assigned this number to his personal guard unit, which was responsible for his safety.
This decision was well-known among the upper echelons of the CCP, and no one dared to question it, given the brutal nature of political struggles at the time. The irony of an avowed atheist relying so heavily on the words of a Daoist sage was not lost on Mao himself.
The mystery of “8341” unveiled
Only after Mao Zedong’s death did the mystery of “8341” unravel. The numbers reflected Mao’s life span of 83 years and his 41 years at the helm of the CCP. After his death, the “8341” unit was discontinued and replaced with the official designation “57003.”
Embracing the supernatural
Despite the CCP’s stance against the belief in gods and Buddhas, it’s clear that supernatural events and beliefs were still part of its history. Mao’s reliance on mysticism is one of the many paradoxes of his leadership. It serves as a reminder that even the most staunchly secular leaders can be influenced by the intangible.
In conclusion, Mao Zedong’s life and leadership were shaped by his political strategies, revolutionary campaigns, superstitions, and mystical beliefs. This exploration of Mao’s superstitious practices offers a unique perspective on the man behind the political persona and the complex nature of historical figures.
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