Zichang

Zichang (子常) was a courtesy name commonly used in ancient China. It typically denoted respect and was used in place of a person's given name by those outside the immediate family or very close friends. The use of courtesy names was a significant part of Confucian social etiquette, reflecting hierarchical relationships and the importance of propriety (li).

It's important to note that multiple historical figures could have used the courtesy name Zichang. To identify a specific individual, further information, such as their family name (xing) or era of activity, is generally required. Without additional context, it is impossible to pinpoint a specific historical figure referred to simply as Zichang.

The practice of using courtesy names (zi) developed during the Zhou dynasty and remained prevalent through much of Chinese history. The zi was usually bestowed upon a person at the age of twenty, marking their entry into adulthood and full participation in society. The connection between a person’s given name and their courtesy name could vary, often reflecting similar meanings or complementing each other in some way. The purpose of the zi was multi-faceted: to avoid addressing someone by their given name (considered impolite), to show respect, and to signify adulthood.