Xia is a term in Eastern philosophy that describes a just and honorable person, often translated as “hero” or “knight.” Xia embodies a strong personal code of honor and talent in martial arts, used to protect the innocent and fight injustice. Xia is a form of chivalry that emphasizes righting wrongs and protecting the needy, regardless of class or background. The wuxia genre, which details the deeds of heroic and chivalrous people, includes martial attitudes as only a small part of xia, with heroes encouraged to use persuasion and diplomacy to achieve their goals.
Xia is a term in Eastern philosophy which is used to describe a just and honorable person. The concept of xia can be difficult to define, as no term from other cultures is exactly equivalent, but words such as “hero,” “fair warrior,” and “knight” are sometimes used as rough translations. The concept of xia has an early history in Chinese culture that continues to this day, particularly in the flowering of arts in the wuxia genre, which detail the deeds of heroic and chivalrous people.
Someone who embodies the spirit of xia has a strong personal code and sticks to it at all costs. Honor is a highly valued value in general in Chinese culture, so people who adhere to their honor tend to be heralded as heroic, regardless of whether they are skilled fighters. However, people who can be described with the term “xia” are also highly talented warriors, with vast Chinese martial arts skills.
However, these skills aren’t used for rampant fighting or display; rather they are used as tools to protect the innocent and fight injustice. Heroes may not necessarily abide by the letter of the law to achieve their goals, but their actions are always in accord with their personal faith and beliefs. For example, a warrior might be forced to do something illegal to defend someone else, but he would only consider the action because it was done in the interest of protection, rather than gain.
When someone is described as having the quality of xia, it means they have an exceptionally good character, with a loud and clear code of honor. In one sense, xia could be considered a form of chivalry, as it places a strong emphasis on righting wrongs and protecting the needy. Both men and women can be considered heroes with the trait of xia in Chinese society, another marked difference between the ideas of xia and European knighthood. Xia can manifest in someone of any class or background, and warriors need not serve a specific lord or ruler.
The wuxia genre may confuse some Westerners, who may read wuxia books or watch wuxia movies with the expectation of seeing detailed and complex combat where the hero prevails over enemy forces. Indeed, martial attitudes are only a small part of xia, as heroes are encouraged to use the powers of persuasion and diplomacy to achieve their goals, rather than jumping to the sword for a quick fix.
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