Confucius on Rituals: Why Simplicity Matters in Ceremony

9·3 The Master said, “The hat of hemp and silk (1) is in accordance with the rules of propriety; but now they make it of pure silk (2), which is frugal (3); I follow the majority. To bow to the superior (4) is in accordance with the rules of propriety; but now they bow to the superior, which is presumptuous (5). Though I am against the majority, I follow the inferior.”

[Annotation]

(1) The hat of hemp and silk: a hat made of hemp and silk.

(2) Pure silk: black silk.

(3) 俭: frugal, frugally, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality, frugality (When a minister sees the king), first of all, he should

kneel and bow in the hall. This is also in line with the rules of etiquette. Now everyone kneels and bows in the hall, which is a sign of arrogance. Although it is different from everyone else’s practice, I still advocate first kneeling and bowing in the hall.

Commentary: Confucius approved of the practice of replacing the hemp hat with a more economical black silk hat, but he opposed the practice of only kneeling in the hall when meeting the king, indicating that Confucius was not stubbornly insisting that everything conform to

the Zhou rites, but rather that he was unwilling to compromise on matters of principle. Because the issue of kneeling involved the larger issue of “the protection of the monarch,” it was fundamentally different from wearing a hat.

In the world of ancient Chinese philosophy, Confucius stands out for his profound insights into ethics, society, and ritual. One of his teachings sheds light on his perspective regarding ceremonial practices, especially in the context of simplicity versus tradition.

The Importance of Ritual Simplicity

Confucius once remarked on the contrast between traditional and modern ceremonial practices. He said, “Using a hemp cap for rituals aligns with traditional propriety. Today, people use black silk caps, which are more economical. I support this change. As for bowing to the ruler, traditionally, officials would first bow from below the hall before approaching the ruler. Now, bowing directly within the hall seems arrogant. Despite the change in practice, I still advocate for bowing from below.”

This statement reflects Confucius’s nuanced approach to ritual. On one hand, he acknowledges the practical benefits of using black silk over more costly hemp. On the other hand, he remains steadfast about maintaining certain traditional practices, like bowing from below, which he believes preserve respect and humility.

Understanding Confucius’s Position

Confucius’s endorsement of the silk cap over the traditional hemp one shows his willingness to embrace practicality and efficiency in ceremonial dress. However, his insistence on the older bowing practice reveals a deeper principle at play: respect for the hierarchical structure and the importance of modesty in ritual conduct.

To Confucius, the essence of ritual was not just about adherence to outdated customs but about maintaining the spirit of propriety and respect. He viewed the ritual of bowing from below as a means of demonstrating genuine respect and humility, which he felt was compromised by the newer practice of bowing directly within the hall.

Why It Matters Today

Confucius’s perspective offers timeless lessons for both cultural practices and personal conduct. His approach reminds us that while adaptation to modernity is necessary and beneficial, preserving the core values behind traditional practices is equally important. In today’s context, where rapid changes and modern efficiencies often overshadow traditional values, Confucius’s teachings encourage us to balance innovation with respect for time-honored principles.

In essence, Confucius’s emphasis on simplicity in rituals is not just about the physical aspects of the practice but about maintaining a deeper sense of respect and propriety. His wisdom teaches us that true respect lies not merely in following rituals but in understanding and upholding their underlying values.

By reflecting on Confucius’s views, we can better appreciate the balance between tradition and modernity in our own practices and strive to uphold the core values that give our rituals their true meaning.