The Ancient Flute (Yuè)

Yuè original: "籥" (Yuè)

The Ancient Flute is a vertical, end-blown wind instrument traditionally crafted from bamboo. Unlike modern flutes, the ritual Yuè is characterized by its simplicity, typically featuring only three finger holes. In the context of ancient Chinese ritual performance, it represents the "civil" or "refined" (Wen) aspect of music.

The instrument is not merely a musical device but a symbolic one; when held during the "Yuè Dance," it signifies the harmony between the human spirit and the natural world. As seen in the illustration, the flute is slender and straight, designed to be held vertically. It was historically played during seasonal sacrifices and state ceremonies to invoke a sense of order and grace.

Historical texts note that the Yuè was used specifically to perform the music of the Xia Dynasty, symbolizing the antiquity and continuity of Chinese civilization.

The Pheasant-Feather Staff (Zhái)

Zhái original: "翟" (Zhái)

The Pheasant-Feather Staff is a ceremonial dance prop composed of a wooden handle adorned with the long, striking tail feathers of a Reeves's Pheasant. In ancient choreography, particularly the civil dances performed at the Confucian temple or the imperial court, the Zhái is often paired with the Yuè flute.

The dancer typically holds the Yuè in the left hand and the Zhái in the right. The feathers are not merely decorative; they serve to extend the dancer's movements, creating fluid, sweeping lines that emphasize the elegance of the ritual. The head of the staff, as depicted in the woodcut, is often carved into the shape of a bird's head, reinforcing the connection to the "vermilion bird" and the celestial rhythms.

The Junior Master is responsible for teaching the use of the Yuè and Zhái to the young scholars.

The use of pheasant feathers in ritual dates back to high antiquity, where they were believed to represent the vibrant energy of the sun and the beauty of refined culture.