The nine deaths of Qiu Jin

The death of Qiu Jin was unceremonious, beheaded and body left as an example. Since her death, she became a martyr and her body and tomb location has changed based upon the political and social changes in China. It's interesting that her life and death is morphed into whatever the current dynasty or government entity needed from her to promote. Nine times her body was moved and her tomb rebuilt to use her martyrdom. Each government either moves her tomb to the forefront as an example to the masses or away from the limelight to lessen her impact. Her life and death has become less reality based and more based on myth and twisted history. It proves that national heroes or icons are yet another way for governments to use the past to shape the future any way they want to. Qiu Jin never had an idea of the communist revolution, yet the communist revolution has embraced Qiu Jin as a martyr for the cause. If and when communism falls, I’m sure the next form of government will find a way for Qiu Jin to embrace their ideals and support it long after her revolutionary spirit has passed.