Understanding the Importance of Rituals in Confucianism: The Tale of Zigong and the Sacrificial Sheep

3·17 Zi Gong wanted to remove the sacrificial lambs (2) for the first day of the month (1). The Master said, “Zi, you love (3) the lambs, but I love the ritual.”

【Annotation】

(1) The first day of the month: The first day of each month in the lunar calendar is the first day of the month. Gao shuo was an ancient system whereby the emperor would issue the calendar for the following year to the feudal lords at the beginning of autumn and winter each year, informing them of the first day of each month.

(2) 饩羊: 饩, pronounced xì. 饩羊, a live sheep used in sacrificial rites.

(3) 爱: to cherish.

Translation

Zigong proposed to remove the live sheep used for sacrificial rites on the first day of each month. Confucius said, “Zigong, you cherish that sheep, but I cherish that kind of ritual.”

[Analysis]

According to Zhouli, the Zhou emperor would issue the calendar for the following year to the princes in the autumn and winter of each year. The princes would place the calendar in the ancestral temple and come to the temple on the first day of each month to sacrifice a live sheep according to the calendar, indicating the beginning of the monthly government affairs. At that time, the ruler of the state of Lu no longer went to the ancestral temple to “announce the beginning of the month,” and “announce the beginning of the month” had become a formality. Therefore, Zi Gong proposed to remove the “sacrificial sheep.” Confucius was greatly dissatisfied with this and rebuked Zi Gong, showing his position of upholding the rites.

Historical Context of the Ritual

The sacrificial rites on the first day of the month were deeply embedded in the Zhou Dynasty’s customs. Each year, the emperor would issue a calendar to the feudal lords, who would then mark the beginning of each month with a sheep sacrifice in the ancestral temple. This practice symbolized the commencement of governmental affairs and reinforced the unity between the celestial and earthly realms.

Confucian Emphasis on Rituals

Confucius believed that rituals played a crucial role in maintaining social order and moral integrity. He argued that rituals were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of respect, reverence, and continuity. By adhering to these practices, society could uphold its values and ensure stability. The proposal to eliminate the sacrificial sheep was seen by Confucius as a threat to the integrity of these traditions.

Modern Relevance of Confucian Rituals

The story of Zigong and the sacrificial sheep continues to resonate today, illustrating the enduring relevance of Confucian values. In modern society, where rapid changes and technological advancements often challenge traditional practices, the principles of respect for rituals and cultural heritage remain significant. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural identity and the wisdom embedded in age-old traditions.