Great Tang Kaiyuan Rites

Author: Zhong Ci
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-05-01
Features: This book is a work introducing the ceremonial system of the Tang Dynasty in China. The Great Tang Ritual of Kaiyuan covers all aspects of Tang society and contains rich academic content. For example, the ceremony of the emperor's temple enshrinement and sacrificial mountain worship not only reflects the ancient concept of the unity of heaven and humanity but also demonstrates the consolidation and development of the imperial system. The ceremony of honoring the ancient sages and teachers reveals the relationship between the orthodox of Confucianism and the political order. The marriage and funeral rituals for officials and commoners reflect the family ethics of the Tang people. The ceremonies of foreign envoys' visits show the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty as a great nation and the prosperity of its foreign trade. Additionally, The Kaiyuan Ritual preserves a large number of Tang ordinances and models, making it a valuable historical source for the legal history of the Tang Dynasty. The discussions on Confucian interpretations and ritual laws within it are also important materials for studying the history of medieval thought and Confucian studies.