Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 8: Rites III

Page 9

To the South specifically in the Southwest and facing West is the seat for the wine ritual. When it is time to perform the ceremony, the various officiating officers ascend from the eastern stairs and face slightly West. The Crown Bearer original: "zhangguan," the official responsible for handling the ceremonial headwear holds the plain silk headcloth original: "manjin," a simple cloth representing the first stage of adulthood and ascends. The Guest the presiding officiant descends one step to receive it. Standing slightly to the North in front of the Prince’s seat, the Guest recites the benediction:

"On this auspicious day, you are capped as an adult. May you be capable of sincerity in filial piety and fraternal love; may blessings and prosperity arrive." Finished

The attendant officials bind the Prince's hair. The Crown Bearer kneels and presents the plain silk headcloth. As the music begins, the Assistant Bearer original: "zanguan," the official who assists the primary Crown Bearer kneels to adjust the headcloth, then rises and stands behind the Crown Bearer. Eunuch attendants kneel and present the corresponding robes. Once this is done, the music stops.

The Crown Bearer requests the Prince to be seated again. Holding the Crown of Winged Goodness original: "yishanguan," the standard formal headwear for Ming Dynasty royalty, featuring two upward-pointing "wings" at the back, the officer ascends. The Guest descends one step to receive it. Holding the back of the crown with his right hand and the front with his left, the Guest advances following the previous protocol and recites the benediction:

"This performance of the Capping Ceremony is truly due to your completed virtue. Be reverent and cautious in your majestic demeanor; serve as a model for the people." Finished

The officer kneels and presents the crown, then rises. The music begins. The Crown Bearer requests the Prince to sit again. The Assistant Bearer steps forward, kneels, and removes the Crown of Winged Goodness, then rises. Eunuch attendants kneel and remove the current robes.

The bearer of the Nine-Tasseled Crown and Ceremonial Robes original: "gunmian," the highest level of formal attire, featuring a flat-topped crown with strings of beads and robes embroidered with dragons ascends. The Guest descends three steps to receive them. He advances following the previous protocol and recites the benediction:

"The capping reaches the third addition; the commissioned robes and emblems are displayed. Revere the spirits and serve those above."