Confucius’ Respect for Social Protocols: How to Honor Nobles, Mourners, and the Blind

[Original text]

9·10 When the Master saw a man in mourning clothes, or a man wearing a hat and robes, or a blind man, he would rise and make obeisance, even if the other was a minor, and would hasten to greet him if he passed by.

[Annotation]

(1) Qi-cui: Qi-cui, mourning clothes, made of hemp cloth in ancient times.

(2) Men wearing official hats and robes: Men wearing official hats and robes refers to nobles.

(3) Blind: Blind.

(4) Stand up: Stand up to show respect.

(5) Quick walk: Walk quickly to show respect.

[Translation]

When Confucius met people in mourning clothes, officials and blind people, he would stand up and walk quickly when passing in front of them, even if they were young.

[Commentary]

Confucius was very familiar with Zhou rites and knew what kind of etiquette to follow when meeting certain people. He should treat people with dignity, people in mourning and blind people with courtesy. Confucius did this because he

respected “rituals” and tried to practice them in order to restore the ideal society of ritual governance.

In ancient China, social etiquette and respect were deeply ingrained in society, reflecting a profound cultural heritage. One illuminating example comes from the teachings of Confucius, who emphasized the importance of showing respect to individuals based on their status and circumstances. This principle is vividly illustrated in a specific instance recorded in historical texts.

Confucius, a revered philosopher and educator, demonstrated his adherence to the principles of礼 (lǐ), or propriety, through his actions. According to a historical account, Confucius was known for his respectful conduct when encountering individuals dressed in mourning attire, officials, or the blind.

Respect for Mourning Attire

In ancient Chinese society, mourning attire was a significant symbol of grief and respect for the deceased. The garment known as齐衰 (qí cuī), made from plain, coarse fabric, was worn by individuals in mourning. Confucius, recognizing the gravity of such attire, would always stand when meeting someone dressed in mourning clothes. This act of standing was not merely a gesture but a profound mark of respect and acknowledgment of the mourner’s loss.

Honor for Officials

Confucius also demonstrated respect towards officials and those in positions of authority. In ancient China, officials often wore distinctive ceremonial clothing, including a官帽 (guān mào), or official hat, and other formal garments. When encountering these individuals, Confucius would stand and show his deference. This practice underscored the Confucian belief in maintaining hierarchical respect and acknowledging the role of authority figures in maintaining social order.

Sensitivity Towards the Blind

Another poignant example of Confucius’ respect involved his treatment of blind individuals. The term瞽 (gǔ) refers to the blind in ancient Chinese texts. Despite their lack of sight, Confucius ensured that he honored them by standing and approaching them with a respectful demeanor. This practice highlights his deep empathy and recognition of the inherent dignity in every person, regardless of their physical condition.

The Philosophy Behind Confucius’ Actions

Confucius’ behavior reflects his profound understanding of礼 (lǐ) and his commitment to restoring and upholding social harmony. By practicing respect towards individuals based on their attire or condition, Confucius set an example of how personal conduct can contribute to a well-ordered and respectful society.

His actions were not only about following social norms but also about embodying the spirit of respect and empathy. Confucius believed that these gestures, though seemingly small, were essential in cultivating a society where mutual respect and consideration were the foundations of social interaction.