i think it means its a pattern of the rise and fall dynasties.... im not sure... but maybe it is...

it means the chinese dynasties rose and fell in pattern like pasted down generations... first you rule then you pass it on to someone else...

"According to Chinese political theory, every dynasty goes through a dynastic cycle. A new ruler: Unites China, founds a new dynasty, and gains the Mandate of Heaven. (“Ancestors”, p 78.) China, under the new dynasty, achieves prosperity and a new golden age. ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") The population increases ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") Corruption becomes rampant in the imperial court, and the empire begins to enter decline and instability.("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") A natural disaster wipes out farm land. The disaster normally would not have been a problem; however, together with the corruption and overpopulation it causes famine.(“Ancestors”, p 78.) The famine causes the population to rebel and starts a civil war (“Ancestors”, p 78.) The ruler loses the Mandate of Heaven.(“Ancestors”, p 78.) ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") The population decreases because of the violence ("Mountain of Fame" p35) One warring state begins to gain power ("Mountain of Fame" p35) One state emerges victorious ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") The state starts a new empire (“Ancestors”, p 78.) ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") The empire gains the Mandate of Heaven. (“Ancestors”, p 78.) ("Chinese Dynastic Cycle") (The cycle repeats itself) The Mandate of Heaven was the idea that the Emperor was favored by god to rule over China. The Mandate of Heaven was created by the Chinese philosopher Mencius, during the Period of Warring States. (“Ancestors”, p 78.)" Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynastic_cycle

The Dynastic Cycle was a series of China's rises and falls. The main one would be between the Ch'in Dynasty and the Han Dynasty. The Ch'in Dynasty was very successful under China's first 'emperor-named' ruler, Shih Huan Ti (221 B.C.). He sent armies out to destroy or 'stomp-out' any opposition or rivalry that could in anyway affect his throne. He also ordered al noble families to live at the Capital City of China under his watchful eye. He wiped out previous borders and drew new boundaries. He also burned all books or educational sources to make sure his knowledge remained higher than others - so noone could become smarter and overthrow him. He also set uniform standards so that everyone was the same. You might also know him famous for The Great Wall of China...his signiture mark. However, his son was not a success - peasents rebelled and put a peasent from Han on the throne. This was the end of the Ch'in dynasty and the beginning of the Han dynasty. Civilisation flowered under the Han Dynasty...the laws that were hated from the previous Ch'in emperors were revokes. Legalist thinkers were epxelled from the imperial palace. These were the years'Confucius' teachings won widespread influence. The most powerful ruler in the Han Dynasty was Wu-Ti (140-87 B.C). However, there were two revolts during the Han Dynasty and it ended (I'm not quite sure when or how exactly). I hope this explains the Dynasty cycle - how it rises and at its climax eventually falls...then it rebuilds again with a new emperor. Tara