Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume on Rites 5

Page 10

"May the border states be forever secure." This phrase likely refers to the symbolic purpose of the Prince's elevation: to serve as a "fence" or protector of the imperial realm. The Assistant Bearer original: "zanguan" kneels to insert the hairpin and tie the shoe strings. The Prince rises and stands. The Crown Bearer original: "zhangguan" moves behind him.

The Prince rises. Eunuch attendants kneel and present the Sacrificial Robes original: "gunfu," the highest level of formal dress, decorated with dragons and other imperial symbols. When this is finished, the music stops. Officials from the Ministry of Rites lead the Prince down from the eastern stairs. The music starts again. They lead him up the western stairs to the Wine Seat original: "lixi," the seat designated for the ritual drinking of wine, where he sits facing South. The music stops.

The Master of Ceremonies leads the Crown Bearer to the Washing Basin original: "leixi," a ceremonial basin used for ritual purification. Music starts. The official inserts his ritual tablet original: "hu," an elongated tablet held by officials during ceremonies into his waistband and washes his hands. He ascends the western stairs. The music stops. The Assistant Bearer takes the wine cup original: "jue," a three-legged bronze vessel and goes to the wine station to pour the sweet wine. He hands it to the Guest the presiding officiant. The Guest kneels before the Prince’s seat, facing North, and recites the benediction:

Bow twice

The Prince inserts his jade tablet original: "gui," a flat jade blade symbolizing high rank into his waistband and receives the wine cup. The music plays a piece titled "Joy of a Thousand Springs" original: "Xi Qian Chun". After drinking, he sets down the cup, removes the jade tablet from his belt, and food is presented. When the meal is finished, they lead the Prince down from the western stairs to the eastern gallery to change his clothes.

The music stops. The Prince is invited to the bowing position. Music starts. The Master of Ceremonies leads the Official of the Imperial Admonition original: "xuanchijie guan" to the center of the courtyard, standing and facing West. He announces: "There is an Imperial Decree." The Prince kneels. The music stops. The official proclaims the Imperial Admonition original: "chijie," a formal moral exhortation from the Emperor: