Understanding Respect Through Confucian Etiquette

When you see someone in mourning clothes, you must change your manner, even if you are close to them. When you see someone wearing a crown or a blind man, you must show respect, even if you are familiar with them. When you see someone in mourning clothes, you must change your manner, even if you are close to them. When you see someone wearing a crown or a blind man, you must show respect, even if you are familiar with them. When you see someone in mourning clothes, you must change your manner, even if you are close to them. When you see someone wearing a crown or a blind man, you must show respect, even if you are familiar with them. When you see someone in mourning clothes, you must change your manner, even if you are close to them. When you see someone wearing a crown or a blind man, you must show respect, even if you are familiar with them. When you see someone in mourning clothes, you must change your manner, even if you are close to them. When you see someone wearing a crown or a blind man, you must

[Notes]

(1)齐衰: zī cuī, mourning clothes.

(2)狎: xí, close.

(3)瞽者: gǔ zhe, blind person, refers to the musician.

(4)亵: xiè, familiar.

(5)凶服: mourning clothes.

(6)式: same as 轼, the crossbar at the front of ancient vehicles. Here it is used as a verb. When meeting someone of high status or other people, the driver would lean forward slightly and rest on the crossbar to show respect or sympathy. This was a custom at the time.

(7)負版者: the person carrying the country’s maps and books. At the time, there was no paper, so woodblocks were used for writing, hence the term “版”.

(8)饌: zhuàn, food. 盛饌, a grand feast.

(9) Zuo: to stand up.

Translation:

(Confucius) saw a person in mourning clothes, even if he was a close friend, and he would immediately become serious. He saw an official or a blind person, even if they were always together, and he would be polite. When he met a person in mourning clothes while riding in a carriage, he would bow down on the front crossbar of the carriage (to show sympathy). He would do the same when he met a person carrying the country’s maps and books (to show respect). (When a guest, if there is a sumptuous feast, change your expression and stand up to express your gratitude. When you encounter thunder and wind, you must change your expression (to show your awe of heaven).

1. Respect for Mourning and Authority

Confucius highlighted the importance of adjusting one’s behavior based on the context and the people involved. For instance, encountering someone in mourning attire, regardless of how familiar you might be with them, should prompt a change in your demeanor. Mourning attire, known as “齐衰” (qī cuī), was a clear signal of grief and required a respectful attitude. Even if you were close to the person, maintaining a solemn demeanor was crucial.

Similarly, when meeting officials or musicians, even if they were common acquaintances, it was essential to show respect. This principle underscores the idea that respect should not be limited by personal relationships but extended to all interactions, especially those involving positions of authority or significant roles.

2. Symbolic Acts of Respect

In traditional Chinese practice, specific gestures symbolized respect. For example, when meeting someone in mourning or those responsible for important state documents, it was customary to bow or show deference by leaning forward. This act of leaning against the vehicle’s front wood, known as “式” (shì), was a way to demonstrate sympathy or honor.

3. Etiquette at Feasts

When attending a grand banquet, Confucius advised that one should visibly change their demeanor to reflect the significance of the occasion. The presence of a lavish feast, referred to as “盛馔” (shèng zhuàn), warranted a change in one’s behavior, including standing up to express gratitude. This practice highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring special events and the hospitality of hosts.

4. Respect for Nature

Confucius also believed that respect extended to nature and the forces beyond human control. Witnessing phenomena like thunder and fierce winds, which he described as “迅雷风烈” (xùn léi fēng liè), was seen as a reminder of the power of nature. Adjusting one’s demeanor in response to such natural events showed reverence and awe for the natural world and its mighty forces.