Collected Illustrations of the Three Powers: Implements

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In the Rites of Zhou, the Music Master original: 樂師 (Yuèshī) is responsible for teaching the Sons of the State the sons of the nobility and high officials the "Six Dances." Among these is the Silk-Tassel Dance original: 帗舞 (Fúwǔ). The term "Fu" refers to a ritual sash or ribbon. Because the deities of the Altars of Land and Grain and all the myriad spirits perform purification rites for the people, this is called the "Fu" [Purification] Dance. In the Tassel Dance, whole feathers are used, whereas the Feather Dance uses split feathers.

Feather Dance

original: 羽舞 (Yǔwǔ)

The Dance Master original: 舞師 (Wǔshī) is in charge of teaching the Feather Dance and leading the performers during sacrifices to the four directions. The Flute Master original: 籥師 (Yuèshī) teaches the Sons of the State to dance with feathers and play the flute Yuè a notched, end-blown bamboo flute. During sacrifices, the drumming accompanies this dance of feathers and flutes. The Feather Dance utilizes long-tailed pheasant feathers original: 翟羽 (díyǔ) as ritual implements; holding them while dancing symbolizes the providing of "shielding wings" a metaphor for protection and care.

Phoenix-Feather Dance

original: 皇舞 (Huángwǔ)

The Dance Master oversees the teaching of the Phoenix-Feather Dance and leads it during rituals performed to end severe droughts. The Music Master also teaches the Sons of the State the "Minor Dances," of which this is one. The Huang dance implements belong to the category of Yin the cool, dark, or feminine cosmic principle. During a drought which is an excess of Yang/heat, one seeks to draw out the Yang within the Yin; for this reason, the Phoenix-Feather Dance is performed.