Discover Ancient Chinese Rituals: Confucius on Xia and Yin Dynasties

3·9 The Master said, “I can speak of the rites of the Xia dynasty, but the people of Qi (1) are not sufficient to prove them; I can speak of the rites of the Yin dynasty, but the people of Song (3) are not sufficient to prove them. It is because there is not enough literature (4). If there were, I could prove it.”

[Notes]

(1) Qi: a state during the Spring and Autumn Period, descended from Yu the Great. It was located in the area of modern-day Qixian County, Henan Province.

(2) Zheng: proof.

(3) Song: a state during the Spring and Autumn Period, descended from Tang the Great. It was located in the area of modern-day Shangqiu City, Henan Province.

(4) Wenwen: literature; Xian: sages.

[Translation]

Confucius said, “I can describe the rites of the Xia Dynasty, but the descendants of Qi are not sufficient to prove my words. I can describe the rites of the Yin Dynasty, but the descendants of Song are not sufficient to prove my words. This is because there are not enough written materials and people who are familiar with the rites of Xia and Yin. If there were enough, I could be proved.”

[Analysis]

This passage shows two issues. Confucius was very familiar with the ritual systems of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, and he hoped that people would all abide by the norms of ritual. Unfortunately, there were far too many people who transgressed the norms of ritual at the time. Secondly, he believed that the explanation of the rituals of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties depended on sufficient historical records and sages to prove it, which also reflected his realistic attitude towards knowledge.

Confucius lived during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history, a time marked by social upheaval and intellectual development. He aimed to restore social harmony through moral education and the observance of proper rituals. His teachings are recorded in “The Analects,” a collection of his sayings and ideas.

In one passage, Confucius remarks, “I can describe the rites of the Xia Dynasty, but the descendants of Qi are not sufficient to prove my words. I can describe the rites of the Yin Dynasty, but the descendants of Song are not sufficient to prove my words. This is because there are not enough written materials and people who are familiar with the rites of Xia and Yin. If there were enough, I could be proved.”

Understanding the Dynasties

Xia Dynasty: Often considered the first Chinese dynasty, the Xia Dynasty (circa 2070–1600 BCE) is semi-mythical, with its existence supported by limited archaeological evidence. It is reputed for establishing the foundation of Chinese civilization, including the early development of ritual practices.

Yin (Shang) Dynasty: Following the Xia, the Yin Dynasty (circa 1600–1046 BCE) is better documented, thanks to inscriptions on oracle bones and bronze artifacts. This dynasty is recognized for its advancements in metallurgy, writing, and centralized governance.

The Importance of Rituals

For Confucius, rituals (or “li” in Chinese) were crucial in maintaining social order and harmony. He believed that proper observance of rituals cultivated moral virtues such as respect, humility, and reverence for ancestors. These rituals were not just ceremonial acts but integral aspects of daily life that reinforced societal values and relationships.

The Challenge of Proving Ancient Rites

Confucius expressed frustration over the inability to fully validate the ancient rites of the Xia and Yin Dynasties. The primary reason was the lack of sufficient historical records and knowledgeable individuals who could authenticate these practices. This highlights a significant challenge in historical studies: the preservation and transmission of cultural knowledge.

In ancient China, historical records were often lost due to wars, natural disasters, and political upheavals. Furthermore, the oral transmission of knowledge, which was common in early periods, could result in distortions and omissions over time.

Relevance Today

Understanding Confucius’s lament about the loss of historical records encourages modern societies to place greater emphasis on preserving cultural heritage. In today’s digital age, where information can be easily documented and accessed, efforts to safeguard cultural practices and historical records have become more feasible and crucial.

Furthermore, Confucius’s emphasis on rituals as a means to cultivate moral virtues resonates with contemporary values. In a world where rapid technological advancements and globalization can sometimes lead to cultural erosion, revisiting ancient practices can offer a sense of identity and continuity.