Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the role of the "Yellow Emperor" symbol in fostering a sense of national identity and unity among the Chinese people during the Anti-Japanese War, highlighting its historical significance and cultural implications [3][4][5]. Group 1: Construction of the Yellow Emperor Narrative - The "Yellow Emperor" symbol was increasingly utilized after the September 18 Incident to enhance national cohesion, framing him as the common ancestor of the Chinese nation [4]. - Various narratives were constructed around the Yellow Emperor, emphasizing both bloodline and cultural dimensions to assert a shared historical continuity among all ethnic groups in China [4][5]. - The Communist Party viewed the Yellow Emperor as a pivotal figure in the transition from hunting to agricultural civilization, reinforcing his status as a cultural symbol of the Chinese civilization's foundation [5]. Group 2: Promotion of Public Memory of the Yellow Emperor - The connection between the Yellow Emperor and the Anti-Japanese War was emphasized through the retelling of legends, such as his battle against Chiyou, to inspire resistance against foreign invasion [6]. - The concept of "national freedom thought" was articulated, linking the Yellow Emperor to the idea of ethnic equality and self-liberation, thereby motivating the populace to fight for independence [6]. - Educational materials, such as textbooks, reinterpreted the Yellow Emperor's role, portraying him as a representative of the people and emphasizing collective decision-making in the face of adversity [7]. Group 3: Rituals and Symbolism of the Yellow Emperor's Tomb - The Yellow Emperor's tomb became a key symbol of national identity, with rituals initiated in the 1930s to promote collective remembrance and unity among the Chinese people [9][10]. - The joint memorial ceremonies by the Kuomintang and the Communist Party during the Anti-Japanese War served to solidify a unified national front, transforming abstract concepts of national identity into tangible political practices [10][11]. - The transformation of the Yellow Emperor's tomb into a comprehensive cultural space facilitated ongoing connections between the populace and their ancestral heritage, deepening the sense of national identity [12]. Group 4: Expression of National Identity - Ordinary citizens played a crucial role in embodying the "Yellow Emperor" identity, responding to cultural calls to action through various artistic expressions, such as poetry and film [13]. - The narrative of being "descendants of the Yellow Emperor" transcended ethnic boundaries, fostering a collective identity that included various minority groups [13][14]. - Despite its limitations, the "Yellow Emperor" symbol continues to resonate as a vital element of Chinese cultural identity, attracting attention from both domestic and overseas Chinese communities [14].