Trivia: Today is yuanxiao festival in China. One of China’s ruler’s banned the use of the term ‘yuanxiao 元宵‘ and encouraged the use of the alternative ‘tangyuan 汤圆’. Who was this ruler and what was the reason for the ban?
His family name, Yuan (袁) and the Yuan (元) of Yuanxiao are both 2nd tone and pronounced exactly the same. The xiao (宵) of Yuanxiao and the xiao ( 消) of 消灭 （Xiaomie - To terminate/ to eradicate）are both 1st tone and pronounced exactly the same. So 元宵 (the sweet dish) and 袁消 (termination of Yuan's rule) are pronounced exactly the same... and hence the ban.
Trivia: Today is yuanxiao festival in China. One of China’s ruler’s banned the use of the term ‘yuanxiao 元宵‘ and encouraged the use of the alternative ‘tangyuan 汤圆’. Who was this ruler and what was the reason for the ban?
You've got me (and thanks for the interesting comment!)
The ruler was 'Emperor' Yuan Shikai （袁世凯/洪宪皇帝）.
His family name, Yuan (袁) and the Yuan (元) of Yuanxiao are both 2nd tone and pronounced exactly the same. The xiao (宵) of Yuanxiao and the xiao ( 消) of 消灭 （Xiaomie - To terminate/ to eradicate）are both 1st tone and pronounced exactly the same. So 元宵 (the sweet dish) and 袁消 (termination of Yuan's rule) are pronounced exactly the same... and hence the ban.