Today is Feburary 2nd, Groundhog Day in the United States. Why mention this in an Asian history blog? Well, per usual, leave it to the Japanese to completely reinvent an idea and produce a superior product. I don’t how many people still tune in to the prognostications of Punxsutawney Phil, but the Dramatic Chipmunk/Prairie Dog YouTube clip has had over 5 million views and counting, surely a new record in the field of “oddly expressive ground rodents.” (If you’re really bored, or stoned, check out the Kill Bill and 007 Remixes.)
On this date in 496, Emperor Xiaowen (r. 471-499) of the Tuoba (Northern) Wei Dynasty (439-534 CE) instituted a series of reforms to adapt the Xianbei ruling class to Chinese mores and customs, and so consolidate the Wei’s control of Northern China. The Xianbei originated in what is today Manchuria as nomadic raiders. In the confusion and chaos following the end of the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century C.E., the Xianbei expanded their power and moved into the North China plain plundering and pillaging, as nomadic raiders in history tended to do, led by the Tuoba clan. The Tuoba amassed more and more territory and power, and in