THE COMMONWEALTH OF SUBLIME ILLUMINATION​

The Myeong Commonwealth, named after the East Asian character 'Myeong' (Hanja: 明; Hangul: 명; Ming/Mei/Minh), symbolising light, brilliance, and clarity, is a confederation devoted to illuminating the human conscience and dispelling ignorance and division. Grounded in the timeless wisdom of the Sages and the belief in objective truth over subjective desires, it shines as a beacon of hope, uniting diverse peoples across cultures and continents in a shared civilising mission.

Equipped with a robust constitution, a just legal system, an effective government, diplomatic outreach, and symbols of unity such as a flag, anthem, and coat of arms, the Commonwealth is well-prepared to advance its vision of humaneness, harmony, and global cooperation. Its core purpose is to safeguard human civilisation from cultural erosion and physical threats, driven by a profound commitment to serve all of humanity, regardless of origin.

The Myeong Commonwealth sets a clear distinction between civilised states—those that uphold justice, wisdom, trust, and ethical governance—and barbaric ones that oppress their people or act with cruelty and injustice. It calls on civilised states to join its confederation, fostering mutual respect and collective strength to protect humanity from the dangers of barbarism. The Commonwealth’s mission is to nurture morality, maintain societal order, and establish a freely accessible repository of ethical wisdom and public knowledge, offering guidance and support especially to those in barbaric or struggling regions. 

The Myeong Commonwealth invites all who value wisdom, virtue, and unity to step forward and contribute to a brighter, more harmonious future for humanity.

FLAG OF THE COMMONWEALTH

The flag of the Myeong Commonwealth, known as Il-wol Habmyeonggi (일월합명기), is replete with Confucian symbolism. Il-wol Habmyeong (일월합명) is a concept drawn from the esteemed Confucian tome, Yeokgyeong (I Ching or Classic of Change) (《역경》), signifying 'the luminous celestial bodies, the sun and the moon, radiating their brilliance in harmony, illuminating the world in unison.' The profound essence of this phrase is that an individual of virtuous character displays an unreserved visibility akin to the synchronised motion of the sun and moon. As the sun rises and the moon sets, and vice versa, their presence is not confined to a select few. This emblematises the genuineness and resplendent conscience of a sage, devoid of any pretence, insincerity, deceit, or secrecy.

At the heart of the flag lies a depiction of a white crescent moon melded with a golden sun to create a larger circle, symbolising equilibrium and concord between the passive and active cosmic forces of eum (음) and yang (양) respectively. This configuration mirrors the Hanja character for the term 'Myeong' (명), the appellation of the Commonwealth and the word denoting 'brightness' in its literal sense. Together, they emit twelve distinct rays, representing the East Asian division of a day into twelve two-hour segments, emblematic of ceaseless advancement. Moreover, the four longer rays symbolise the four cardinal virtues of Confucianism: humanity, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom (인, 의, 예, 지). The colour blue signifies peace; red symbolises joy; white embodies purity; and yellow denotes prosperity.

COAT OF ARMS OF THE COMMONWEALTH

The Coat of Arms of the Myeong Commonwealth, designed by The Rt Hon Lord Muk LC PC, HG The Duke of Yeongguk, consists of the following elements:

The Emperor’s Myeonlyugwan (면류관) and Imperial Robes: The Myeonlyugwan, or the Imperial Commonwealth Crown, consists of 12 beads of gems (류), worn exclusively by emperors in the Hwaha Confucian tradition. The robes are in the scarlet colour on the exterior, and patterned in the blue and white on the interior, echoing the Ming Empire's signature ‘blue-and-white porcelain’ (청화백자).

Golden Dragon Supporters and Flaming Pearl Crest: The supporters and the crest together form the depiction of the famous Hwaha totam of ‘Two Dragons Chasing a Flaming Pearl,' an ancient symbol for blessedness and nobility, and a desire to reach the Divine Logos (천도).

River Compartment: The compartment consists of two major rivers of the Korean Peninsula. The yellow river represents the Han River (한강) which connects the Peninsula to the Yellow Sea; the blue river depicts the Imjin River (림진강) over which the joint forces of the Ming Empire and the Kingdom of Joseon resisted Japanese invasion during the Imjin War (임진왜란).

Imperial Belt and Motto: The imperial belt in the scarlet and golden colours is marked by the words ‘Coelum Terramque Illuminare,' the motto of the Commonwealth 'Illuminate Heaven and Earth' in Latin, which signifies the catholic mission of the Commonwealth. The motto ‘光明天地’ (광명천지) in ancient Hanja calligraphy is repeated below on a scroll.

Hwassibyeok Pendent: The royal belt bears the Hwassibyeok (화씨벽) as its pendent, is the material for the ‘Heirloom Seal of the Commonwealth’ (전국옥새), and signifies the Commonwealth’s legitimate inheritance of the orthodox Confucian imperial lineage. As Sage Confucius taught, 'jade is a symbol for the virtue of a person of exemplary character'; signifying the importance of the rule of virtue in the Commonwealth.

Emblem of the Commonwealth: The Eagle Emblem, which originates in the Daehan Empire, is the emblem of the Myeong Commonwealth. The eagle, which holds the sword of justice and the orb of peace, represents longevity and victory. The cross on the orb commemorates the overwhelming population of Confucian-Christians at the time of the Realm's founding. The nine Taegeuk symbols on the Eagle represent the ancient nine provinces of Hwaha, which in turn metaphorically symbolise All-under-Heaven. The eight Trigrams surrounding the central Taegeuk represent eight primordial features of the cosmos.

MOTTO OF THE COMMONWEALTH

The Myeong Commonwealth is deeply dedicated to preserving and celebrating the illustrious legacies of the Ha, Sang, and Ju eras, which are cherished as golden chapters in its historical narrative. These periods are renowned for their remarkable cultural, intellectual, and societal advancements, serving as enduring sources of inspiration for the Commonwealth’s vision of a harmonious, enlightened, and unified civilization. At the core of the Commonwealth lies the Myeong monarchy, which proudly traces its lineage to the imperial house of the Ming Empire, historically known as the 'Empire of Sublime Illumination' or the First Realm. This revered dynasty, celebrated for its profound contributions to philosophy, governance, art, and cultural flourishing, forms a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s identity and its aspirations for a radiant future. 

The motto of the Myeong Commonwealth, 'Illuminate Heaven and Earth' (광명천지), is directly adopted from the Daehan Empire, known as the Second Realm, which embodied a mission to cultivate wisdom, unity, and moral clarity. This powerful phrase is inspired by a timeless verse from the Yeokgyeong (《역경》), or I Ching (Classic of Changes): 'The virtue of a Sage resonates with the harmony of Heaven and Earth, while his wisdom illuminates like the Sun and the Moon.' By embracing this motto, the Myeong Commonwealth positions itself as a guiding light of moral and intellectual excellence, committed to aligning human endeavors with the natural and cosmic order. It seeks to radiate wisdom that fosters justice, balance, and enlightenment, guiding societies toward a more equitable and harmonious world.

FLOWER OF THE COMMONWEALTH

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The Myeong Commonwealth has proudly re-adopted the Molan (모란) (Paeonia suffruticosa), the unofficial national flower of the historic Ming Empire, as its official micronational flower, reaffirming its deep cultural and historical roots. This vibrant and elegant bloom also serves as a cherished symbol of the Imperial House, prominently featured in a stylised form within the Emblem of the House of Ju, underscoring its significance to the monarchy and the Commonwealth’s identity. The Molan embodies a rich tapestry of meanings, symbolising love, beauty, power, wealth, resilience, determination, family unity, the glorious heritage of the past, and the enduring cultural influence of the Myeong Commonwealth.

As the Flower of the Commonwealth, the Molan encapsulates the essence of the Myeongean people’s identity, reflecting their storied history and unwavering spirit. Its resilience mirrors the Commonwealth’s ability to thrive amidst challenges, while its beauty represents the cultural and moral aspirations of the nation. The Molan stands as a powerful emblem of continuity, connecting the Myeong Commonwealth to its ancestral legacy while inspiring its vision for a harmonious and prosperous future.

ANTHEM OF THE COMMONWEALTH

The Hwanggeukga (황극가), which has its origins in the Patriotic Anthem (애국가) of the Daehan Empire, is a piece of music that represents the Commonwealth's identity and pride. Today, the Anthem expresses the Myeong people's love for their micronation and determination to defend it. The song's lyrics talk about the sovereignty of God and the desire of the people (represented by their Emperor) for divine guidance and protection, and the beauty of all that is within the cosmos. It is an integral part of the Myeong micronational identity and is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Myeongean peoples.

PERSONIFICATION

Myeongea, the resplendent anthropomorphic personification of the Myeong Commonwealth, is based on an actual historical figure—the indomitable Jin Yang-ok (秦良玉; 진양옥; Qin Liangyu) (1574–1648), the Marquis Chungjeong (충정후), a legendary female general of the Ming Empire (1368-1662) whose name thunders through the annals of time. 

Jin Yang-ok rose from humble origins to become a beacon of hope, defying the invading Manchu hordes with unmatched bravery. In her image, Myeongea radiates the Confucian virtues of wisdom (지), humaneness (인), and courage (용), weaving these timeless ideals into the heart of the Myeong Commonwealth she inspires.

Jin's life was a testament to wisdom. Trained in martial arts and strategy, she governed with clarity and foresight, leading her famed White Pole Soldiers to victory against rebels and invaders alike. Her strategic brilliance earned her the Ming Emperor's trust, and as Myeongea, she guides the Myeong Commonwealth with the same discerning light, illuminating paths through turmoil with sagacity and resolve.

Her humaneness defined her legacy as a protector. Revered as a sage by the peoples of the Commonwealth, she shielded her people from the ravages of war, fostering unity and compassion amid chaos. She cared for her soldiers as kin, earning fierce loyalty, and remained steadfastly loyal to the Ming, even in decline. As Myeongea, she cradles the Commonwealth’s citizens in her embrace, a nurturing force whose justice and empathy bind the nation in harmony.

Jin’s courage earned her the exceptional title of Marquis Chungjeong (Marquis 'Loyalty and Chastity') from the Ming Emperor in 1646. Wielding her spear on the front lines, even into her elderly years, she faced the Manchu onslaught without flinching, a warrior undaunted by overwhelming odds. Myeongea carries this fearless spirit, standing as an unyielding guardian of Myeong, her presence a rallying cry for all who seek to uphold righteousness against adversity.

Myeongea, born of Jin Yang-ok’s storied deeds, is more than a symbol—she is the living soul of the Myeong Commonwealth. Her spear gleams as a promise of protection, her wisdom charts the course ahead, and her compassion unites the people in a shared dream of virtue. Through her, the legacy of a heroine the Ming endures, inspiring the multitudes of the Myeong to stride boldly toward a future rooted in honor and the eternal Way.