In the late Qing Dynasty, one of the ways to carry out the death penalty was public beheading, which was not only the ultimate punishment for criminals, but also a warning to onlookers. However, the cruelty of this punishment is often beyond the imagination of modern people. An Englishman witnessed this process and recorded it, giving us a glimpse into the corner of that era.
One summer day in the reign of Xianfeng, news broke in the city of Guangzhou that the rebels were about to be publicly executed. An Englishman, out of curiosity or other reasons, decided to go to the execution ground to watch. The next morning, he came to the vegetable market early and witnessed the scene that was about to happen.
The prisoners were taken to the place of execution, where most of them had been tortured so badly that they were powerless to resist when they were brought to the execution ground. They were forced to kneel and lean forward, leaving their necks completely exposed, making way for the executioner's blade.
The image of the executioner was very different from what the British imagined. He was not a fierce man, but a man with a strong physique and a delicate appearance. There was a cleverness and calmness in his eyes, which contrasted sharply with the task he was about to perform.
As the execution began, the executioner swung the broadsword in his hand quickly and precisely, and the heads fell to the ground. The Englishman described the process in his diary, and he was struck by the efficiency of the executioner - 33 heads, all of which fell to the ground in less than 3 minutes. After the decapitated body fell to the ground, its facial features were still distorted, a scene that shocked the crowd of onlookers.
However, the onlookers were indifferent, and some even used bundles of grass to suck the blood from the corpses, as the blood-soaked grass is said to be a precious medicinal herb. This disregard for death reflects the society's contempt for life and cruel attitude towards punishment at that time.
The executioner is willing to take up this profession because of the economic interests behind it. According to the Ta Kung Pao in 1925, an executioner was paid four silver dollars for each decapitation of a prisoner, which was a significant amount of money at the time. Moreover, after each mission, you can also enjoy a sumptuous banquet.
This public beheading in the late Qing Dynasty was not only a punishment for criminals, but also a reflection of the social atmosphere at that time. It reveals the attitude of the people of that era towards life, as well as the cruelty of the penal system. Although this history is far away, the reflection it leaves us with is far-reaching.
In the Qing Dynasty, beheading was a form of capital punishment, and its execution was full of rituals. The executioner carries out a series of preparations before the execution, including checking the sharpness of the knife and making a final confirmation of the prisoner. At the scene of the execution, in addition to the executioner, there were many officials and soldiers who maintained order and ensured the smooth running of the execution process.
In the social environment of the time, public executions were not only a punishment for criminals, but also a means of deterrence. By publicly displaying the cruelty of punishment, the purpose of warning the people and maintaining social order is achieved. However, in today's view, this practice is undoubtedly a great violation of human rights.
In addition, the profession of executioner was quite controversial at the time. Although they earn a lot of money, the job also carries a heavy psychological burden on them. Many executioners, after retirement, choose to live a secluded life away from the crowd in order to get rid of that guilt.
This public beheading incident in the late Qing Dynasty is a microcosm of the penal system of the Qing Dynasty. It allows us to see the cruelty and ruthlessness of that era, and also allows us to cherish today's society under the rule of law more deeply. Although history has passed, the lessons and revelations it has left us are eternal.
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