Confucius on Mourning: Why Ancient Leaders Paused for Three Years

Zi Zhang said, “The Book of History says, ‘Gao Zong (1) kept a low profile (2) for three years and said nothing. What does this mean?” The Master said, “Why should it be Gao Zong? This was the way of all the ancients. When the king died (3), all the officials kept to themselves and listened to the chief minister (4) for three years.”

[Notes] (1) Gao Zong: King Wu of the Shang Dynasty. (2) Keeping a low profile: the term for the king’s widow keeping a low profile during the mourning period. (3) 薨: the sound of hōng, the death of a prince in the Zhou Dynasty. (4) 冢宰: the name of an official, equivalent to the prime minister in later times.

[Translation] Zi Zhang said, “The Book of History says, ‘Gao Zong guarded the mourning for three years and did not talk about political affairs. What does this mean?” Confucius said, “Not only Gao Zong, but also the ancients were like this. When the king died, the court officials all managed their own affairs and listened to the orders of the prime minister for three years.”

[Commentary] The custom of children mourning for their parents for three years existed before Confucius, and is recorded in the Book of History. Confucius took a positive attitude towards this, even for the king, whose parents had passed away, and who would not attend to state affairs for three years after ascending the throne, let alone the common people.

In ancient China, respect and mourning were deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, shaping both personal conduct and governance. A notable example of this practice is found in a conversation involving Confucius, which sheds light on the customs surrounding mourning and governance in ancient times.

The conversation begins with a query from Zizhang, a disciple of Confucius. He references a passage from the classic text, the Shangshu, which mentions that the Emperor Gaozong observed three years of mourning without engaging in state affairs. Zizhang asks Confucius to explain the meaning behind this practice.

Confucius responds with a broader perspective: “It is not just Gaozong; this was the practice of ancient times. When a ruler passed away, all officials managed their own duties and deferred to the Chancellor for three years.”

This exchange highlights a significant aspect of Confucian philosophy and ancient Chinese customs regarding mourning. Here’s a closer look at the key themes:

Respect for Mourning: In ancient China, mourning was a deeply respected practice, extending to rulers and common people alike. Confucius’s explanation reveals that the tradition of mourning lasted three years, reflecting the profound respect for the deceased and the importance of honoring familial bonds.

Government During Mourning: The practice of deferring state affairs to the Chancellor (or prime minister) while the new ruler mourned was designed to ensure stability and continuity. During this period, officials would focus on their own duties rather than engaging in new policy decisions, allowing time for the new ruler to adjust and honor the deceased properly.

Historical Continuity: Confucius emphasizes that this custom was not unique to Gaozong but was a standard practice among ancient rulers. This reflects the enduring nature of certain traditions and their role in shaping governance and societal norms.

Moral and Ethical Considerations: The practice underscores the moral and ethical values that governed ancient Chinese society. By placing mourning above immediate political responsibilities, the tradition highlighted the importance of personal integrity and respect for family, even in leadership roles.

Cultural Significance: Understanding this historical context helps us appreciate the cultural values that influenced governance and personal conduct in ancient China. It also provides insight into how traditions and customs can shape societal norms and expectations.

this interaction between Confucius and Zizhang reveals the profound respect ancient Chinese society had for mourning and its impact on governance. By observing a three-year mourning period, rulers and officials demonstrated their commitment to familial bonds and ethical conduct. This practice not only ensured stability during transitions of power but also reinforced the cultural values that defined ancient Chinese society.