“Rituals and Rites: Unveiling the Spiritual Traditions of Ancient China”

In the early times, the revered deity Taiyi was worshiped. It is noted in ancient texts that Taiyi is another name for the North Pole, also referred to as Tianyi and Taishi. The Book of Spring and Autumn states: “The Purple Palace is where the Emperor’s radiant soul and treasures are governed.”

Ancient emperors performed rituals to Taiyi in the southeastern suburbs every spring and autumn, using sacrificial oxen and elaborate rites over seven days. This was done to open pathways for celestial spirits and appease the spirits of the Eight Directions.

Following tradition, the Emperor commanded the Grand Priest to establish a shrine at the southeastern suburbs of Chang’an, perpetually honoring the rites as prescribed. Over time, there were petitions that in ancient times, the Emperor conducted ceremonies once every three years, using sacrificial oxen to honor the Trinity: Heaven, Earth, and Taiyi. The Emperor approved this and ordered the Grand Priest to lead the ceremonies accordingly at the Taiyi Altar, observing the customs.

Later, others petitioned that in ancient times, the Emperor used a slain bird and a broken mirror to sacrifice to the Yellow Emperor. Dark sheep were used for the underworld, a blue stallion for Mount Gaoshan, and cattle for Earthly Lords. Qianyu was honored with dried fish, and the Yin and Yang envoys were given a cow. The officials overseeing these rites ensured they were performed adjacent to the Taiyi Altar.

During this time, the Imperial Park housed a white deer, and its skin was used for sacrificial purposes, with the Emperor minting white gold in response to auspicious signs.

In the following year, during the outskirts of the capital, a unicorn was captured resembling a roe deer. Officials stated, “Your Majesty, by solemnly performing the suburban rites, Heaven has bestowed upon you a unicorn.”

The rites proceeded with offerings of five types, adding a cow for fire offerings. The nobles were presented with white gold as a symbol of divine approval.

The following year, the Prince of Ji, sensing the time for the Son of Heaven to perform the ascension ceremony, submitted Mount Tai and its surroundings as an offering. The Emperor accepted it and compensated the Ji County with other territories. The King of Changshan, for his transgressions, was demoted. The Emperor appointed his brother in Zhending to continue the ancestral sacrifices, making Changshan a county. Only then were the Five Sacred Mountains within the jurisdiction of the Son of Heaven.

The following year, an elder from Qi appeared, claiming to have seen spirits. The favored lady of the king, Lady Wang, passed away, and the elder used his arts to bring her likeness and spirit into the king’s presence, claiming it was visible to the Emperor from behind the curtain. The Emperor appointed the elder as General Wen Cheng, bestowing many rewards and treating him with royal etiquette.

General Wen Cheng commented, “If Your Majesty wishes to communicate with the spirits, the palace and attire should reflect their divine nature. Without appropriate symbolism, the spirits will not come.” He proceeded to paint air chariots and employ solar symbolism to drive away evil spirits. He also constructed Ganquan Palace, adorned with celestial beings and sacrificial tools for the gods, leading to the appearance of the Heavenly Officials. Living there for over a year, his influence eventually waned, and the spirits did not return. He then used silk scrolls to feed a bull, claiming it contained extraordinary qualities. Upon slaughtering it and inspecting it, they found the scroll and confirmed it was indeed magical. The Emperor, suspicious, had him executed.

The following year, he built Bailiang, copper pillars, and masters.

Wen Cheng died in the following year. The Emperor fell ill at Duihu Lake and was treated by wizards and doctors. However, they couldn’t cure him. Youshui sent his organs to answer him.

The gods replied, “Do not worry, the Emperor is sick. The disease is less severe and stronger than mine, and I will meet at Ganquan.” Then the illness recovered, and the temple was closed and the long-spirited.