The Capping Ritual

In advance of the ceremony, an auspicious day is chosen. The Host Usually the father or the eldest male relative of the young man being honored. announces the event at the Family Temple. If there is no temple, he makes the announcement at the Ancestral Shrine, facing north.

He bows twice and announces: "The son of [Name], [Son's Name], has gradually grown to adulthood. On the [Number] day of the [Number] month, we shall place the ritual cap upon his head. I respectfully announce this to you."

Then, divination is performed to select the Guest of Honor. The Host faces north, bows twice, and announces: "The divination indicates that the [Date according to the sexagenary cycle] is auspicious. For the capping of [Son's Name], we request that [Guest's Name] act as the Guest of Honor to perform the capping, and we hope he will attend. I respectfully announce this."

Two days prior to the ceremony, the Host formally invites the Guest of Honor and the Assistant term: "Zan guan zhe," a younger person, often a friend or relative, who assists the Guest of Honor with the garments during the rite.. When the Host arrives outside the Guest’s main gate, the Master of Ceremonies leads him in. The Usher receives the Host’s message and enters to inform the Guest, saying: "The son of [Name], [Son's Name], is about to undergo his capping ceremony. It is my master's wish that you, sir, would be his teacher and guide."

The Guest replies: "I am not talented original: "bu min." A standard humble expression used in ritual dialogue to suggest one is not clever or worthy enough for the honor. and I fear I cannot fulfill the duties, which would disgrace you. I venture to decline."

The Host replies: "It remains my wish that you would guide him."

The Guest replies: "Since you, sir, have repeated your command, how could I dare refuse?"

The Host bows twice, and the Guest bows in return. As the Host departs to return home, the Guest bows again to see him off. The Host invites the Assistant in the same manner. It is also acceptable to send a younger relative to deliver these invitations on one's behalf.

One day prior, the managers set up the waiting area at the large...