Diagram of the Capping Ceremony for Officials and Commoners

original: "Jiu hu." The vessel containing the ceremonial wine used for the libation rituals.

original: "Zhan zhu." This refers to the shallow drinking cup and the spouted vessel used to fill it.

original: "Zhang wei wei fang yu ting shi zhi dong." Traditional Chinese architecture dictates that the east side is the position of the host. This temporary "room" allows the initiate to change clothes between the three stages of capping.

original: "Jiang guan zhe." Literally, "the one who is about to be capped." This marks the position where the young man stands before the ceremony begins.

original: "Shuang ji." A hairstyle where the hair is gathered into two buns, typical of a male child or youth who has not yet reached adulthood.

The designated spot where the initiate sits or kneels while the Guest of Honor places the successive caps on his head.

Usually the father or the eldest male relative of the initiate, who stands in the host's position to oversee the rite.

original: "Guan pen." A basin of water used for the ritual purification of hands by the host and guests before handling the ceremonial objects.

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original: "Gongfu dai xue hu." The most formal attire, featuring the hu (a ritual tablet held in both hands during audiences). This is worn for the final "addition" or stage of the capping.

original: "Lanshan dai xue." The Lanshan was a full-length robe with a wide border at the bottom, the standard dress for scholars during the Song and Ming dynasties.

original: "Shenyi da dai." The Shenyi is a traditional one-piece long robe symbolizing Confucian virtue, typically worn during the first stage of the ceremony.

Items used to arrange the initiate’s hair before the first cap is applied.

original: "Li xi." The mat where the initiate sits to perform the Jiao ritual, involving the ceremonial tasting of sweet wine.

original: "Zhi zhuan zhe." Those responsible for bringing in the ritual offerings.

original: "Zhi shui zhe." Attendants who provide towels for the ritual washing.

The younger generation and extended family members who observe the ceremony from the periphery.

original: "Bin." A respected elder or family friend invited to perform the act of placing the caps on the initiate's head.

original: "Binzhe." An assistant who helps coordinate the movements and greetings of the guest and the host.