1
禮十五 〈（嘉禮三）〉 ○聖節諸慶節
Rites 15 (Auspicious Rites, Part Three) Imperial Birthday Festivals and Other Celebratory Holidays
2
聖節。 建隆元年，群臣請以二月十六日為長春節。 正月十七日，於大相國寺建道場以祝壽，至日，上壽退，百僚詣寺行香。 尋詔：“今後長春節及諸慶節，常參官、致仕官、僧道、百姓等毋得進奉。”
Imperial Birthday Festivals. In the first year of Jianlong (960), the ministers asked that the sixteenth day of the second month be designated the Changchun Festival. On the seventeenth day of the first month a ritual ground was set up at the Great Xiangguo Monastery to pray for the emperor’s long life. When the day came, after the birthday rites the emperor withdrew and all officials went to the monastery to burn incense. Soon an edict declared: “From now on, on the Changchun Festival and other celebratory holidays, regularly attending officials, retired officials, monks and Daoists, and commoners alike must not present tribute gifts.
3
太宗以十月七日為乾明節，復改為壽寧節。
Taizong’s birthday was observed on the seventh day of the tenth month as the Qianming Festival, later renamed the Shouning Festival.
4
真宗以十二月二日為承天節。 其儀：帝御長春殿，諸王上壽，次樞密使副、宣徽、三司使，次使相，次管軍節度使、兩使留後、觀察使，次節度使至觀察使，次皇親任觀察使以下，各上壽，仍以金酒器、銀香合、馬、袖表為獻。 既畢，鹹赴崇德殿敘班，宰相率百官上壽，賜酒三行，皆用教坊樂，賜衣一襲，文武群臣、方鎮州軍皆有貢禮。 前一月，百官、內職、牧伯各就佛寺修齋祝壽，罷日以香賜之，仍各設會，賜上尊酒及諸果，百官兼賜教坊樂。
Zhenzong’s birthday was observed on the second day of the twelfth month as the Chengtian Festival. The rite ran as follows. The emperor presided in the Hall of Eternal Spring. Princes offered birthday congratulations first, followed by the Bureau of Military Affairs commissioners and deputies, the Palace Domestic Service commissioner, and the Three Departments commissioner; then commissioners with ministerial powers; then army supervisors, fiscal commissioners, and observation commissioners; then military commissioners through observation commissioners; and finally imperial clansmen holding observation commissioner rank or below. Each group offered congratulations and presented gold wine vessels, silver incense boxes, horses, and sleeve memorials. When that was done, everyone proceeded to the Hall of Reverence for Virtue to form ranks. The chief counselor led all officials in offering congratulations. Three rounds of wine were served with Court Entertainment Office music, each recipient was granted a suit of clothing, and civil and military officials, frontier commands, and prefectural armies all presented tribute gifts. One month in advance, officials, inner-palace staff, and regional governors each held vegetarian observances at Buddhist temples to pray for the emperor’s long life. When the observances ended, incense was bestowed on them; each group also held a feast and received fine wine and fruit, and officials were additionally granted Court Entertainment Office musicians.
5
景德二年，始令樞密三司使副、學士復赴百官齋會，少卿、監、刺史以上及近職一子賜恩，僧道則賜紫衣、師號，禁屠，輟刑。
In the second year of Jingde (1005), deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs and Three Departments and Hanlin academicians were again required to attend officials’ vegetarian gatherings. Junior ministers, directors, and prefects and above, along with one son of a close attendant, received grace favors; monks and Daoists received purple robes and honorific titles; slaughter was forbidden and executions were suspended.
6
仁宗以四月十四日為乾元節，正月八日皇太后為長寧節。 詔定長寧節上壽儀：太后垂簾崇政殿，百官及契丹使班庭下，宰臣以下進奉上壽，閣門使於殿上簾外立侍，百官再拜，宰臣升殿，跪進酒簾外，內臣跪承以入。 宰臣奏曰：“長寧節，臣等不勝歡抃，謹上千萬歲壽。 ”復降，再拜，三稱萬歲。 內臣承旨宣曰：“得公等壽酒，與公等同喜。 ”鹹再拜。 宰臣升殿，內侍出簾外跪授虛盞，宰臣跪受，降，再拜舞蹈，三稱萬歲。 內侍承旨宣群臣升殿，再拜，升，陳進奉物當殿庭，通事舍人稱“宰臣以下進奉”，客省使殿上喝“進奉出”。 內謁者監進第二盞，賜酒三行，侍中奏禮畢，皆再拜舞蹈。 太后還內，百官詣內東門拜表稱賀。 其外命婦舊入內者即入內上壽，不入內者進表。 內侍引內命婦上壽，次引外命婦，如百官儀。 次日大宴。
Renzong’s birthday was observed on the fourteenth day of the fourth month as the Qianyuan Festival, and the Empress Dowager’s on the eighth day of the first month as the Changning Festival. An edict prescribed the Changning Festival birthday rite. The Empress Dowager held court from behind a curtain in the Hall of Promoting Governance. Officials and Khitan envoys formed ranks in the courtyard below. From the chief counselor down, they advanced to offer birthday congratulations. A Gate Office commissioner stood in attendance outside the curtain on the dais. Officials bowed twice. The chief counselor ascended, knelt, and presented wine outside the curtain; an inner attendant knelt to receive it and carry it within. The chief counselor reported: “On the Changning Festival we cannot contain our joy and respectfully wish Your Majesty ten thousand myriad years of life. ” He then withdrew, bowed twice, and thrice shouted “Long live Your Majesty!” An inner attendant, receiving her command, announced: “Having received your birthday wine, I share your joy with you. ” Everyone bowed again. The chief counselor ascended again. An inner attendant came outside the curtain, knelt, and handed over an empty cup. The chief counselor knelt to receive it, withdrew, bowed twice and performed the treading dance, and thrice shouted “Long live Your Majesty!” An inner attendant, receiving her command, announced that officials should ascend the hall. They bowed twice, ascended, and displayed tribute offerings in the central courtyard. The protocol usher called out “Tribute from the chief counselor and below,” and the Reception commissioner on the dais called out “Withdraw the tribute.” The Director of Inner Attendants advanced the second cup. Three rounds of wine were served. The Palace Attendant reported that the rites were complete, and everyone bowed twice and performed the treading dance. The Empress Dowager returned to the inner palace, and officials went to the Inner Eastern Gate to present congratulatory memorials. Titled ladies outside the palace who had previously been admitted within entered to offer birthday congratulations; those not admitted within submitted memorials instead. Inner attendants led titled ladies of the inner palace to offer congratulations first, then led titled ladies from outside, following the same procedure as for officials. A grand banquet was held the following day.
7
英宗以正月三日為壽聖節。 禮官奏：“故事，聖節上壽，親王、樞密於長春殿，宰臣、百官於崇德殿，天聖諒沍皆於崇政殿。 ”於是紫宸上壽，群臣升殿間，飲獻一觴而退。 又一日，賜宴於錫慶院。
Yingzong’s birthday was observed on the third day of the first month as the Shousheng Festival. Rites officials reported: “By precedent, imperial birthday congratulations were offered by princes and the Bureau of Military Affairs in the Hall of Eternal Spring and by the chief counselor and all officials in the Hall of Reverence for Virtue; during the Tiansheng mourning period everyone used the Hall of Promoting Governance. ” Birthday congratulations were therefore held in the Hall of Purple Felicity. Ministers ascended between the hall bays, drank and presented one cup, and withdrew. On another day a banquet was granted at the Court of Bestowed Celebration.
8
神宗以熙寧元年四月十日為同天節，以宅憂罷上壽，惟拜表稱賀。 明年，親王、樞密使、管軍、駙馬、諸司使副詣垂拱殿，宰臣、百官、大國使詣紫宸殿上壽，命坐，賜酒三行，不舉樂。 明年，以大旱，罷同天節上壽，群臣赴東上閣門表賀。
Shenzong’s birthday was observed on the tenth day of the fourth month of the first year of Xining (1068) as the Tongtian Festival. Because he was in mourning, court birthday rites were suspended and officials offered congratulations only by memorial. The next year princes, the Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner, army supervisors, imperial sons-in-law, and bureau deputies offered congratulations in the Hall of Bowed Reverence, while the chief counselor, all officials, and envoys from great states did so in the Hall of Purple Felicity. They were seated and served three rounds of wine, but no music was performed. The following year, because of severe drought, court birthday rites for the Tongtian Festival were canceled and ministers offered congratulations by memorial at the Eastern Upper Gate Office.
9
中書門下言：“同天節上壽班，自今樞密使副、宣徽、三司使、殿前馬步軍副都指揮使以上共作一班，進酒一盞； 親王、宗室、使相至觀察、駙馬、管軍觀察使以上，皆赴紫宸殿，依本班序立上壽，更不赴垂拱殿。 ”蓋以管軍觀察使以上及親王、駙馬並於垂拱殿以官序高下各班進酒畢而日晏，外朝有班者仍詣紫宸殿，議者以為近瀆，改焉。 而詔袒免以上宗婦聽班賀於禁中。
The Secretariat-Chancellery reported: “For the Tongtian Festival birthday formation, from now on Bureau of Military Affairs deputies, the Palace Domestic Service commissioner, the Three Departments commissioner, and deputy commanders of the Palace Front and Rear Guards and above shall form a single rank and present one cup of wine; princes, imperial clansmen, commissioners with ministerial powers through observation commissioners, imperial sons-in-law, and army supervisors of observation commissioner rank and above shall all go to the Hall of Purple Felicity, form ranks in their proper order, and offer congratulations, and shall no longer go to the Hall of Bowed Reverence. ” This was because army supervisors of observation commissioner rank and above, together with princes and imperial sons-in-law, had all presented wine in separate ranks at the Hall of Bowed Reverence according to official precedence, and by the time they finished the day was far gone; those of the outer court who still had ranks then went to the Hall of Purple Felicity. Critics regarded this as nearly irreverent, and the procedure was changed. An edict also allowed imperial clanswomen of bare-shoulder mourning rank and above to attend congratulatory ranks within the palace.
10
哲宗即位，詔以太皇太后七月十六日為坤成節。 宰臣請以十二月八日為興龍節。 哲宗本七日生，以避僖祖忌，故後一日。
When Zhezong ascended the throne, an edict established the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday on the sixteenth day of the seventh month as the Kuncheng Festival. The chief counselor asked that the eighth day of the twelfth month be designated the Xinglong Festival. Zhezong was actually born on the seventh day, but the observance was moved one day later to avoid the taboo anniversary of Emperor Xizu.
11
徽宗以十月十日為天寧節，定上壽儀：皇帝御垂拱殿，群臣通班起居畢，分班，從義郎以下醫官、待詔等先退。 知引進司官一員讀奏目，知東上閣門官一員奏進壽酒，由東階升，舍人通教坊使以下讚再拜，奏聖躬萬福，又再拜，復位。 次看盞人稍前，舍人讚再拜，讚上殿祗候，分東西兩階立，俟進酒升殿。 次舍人引親王入殿庭，北向立，讚再拜，班首奏萬福。 舍人引進奉西入，列於親王後，酒器簷床置馬前，揖天武躬奏萬福，進奉馬先出。 內侍進禦茶床，殿中監酹酒訖，知東上閣門官殿上躬奏：“親王某以下進壽酒。 ”舍人揖親王以下躬讚再拜，乃引親王二員升殿，知東上閣門官引詣御坐前，舍人東階下西向立， 〈（後準此。）〉 尚醞典禦奉槃、盞授班首，搢笏受盤、盞，西向立，奉禦啟盞，親王一員搢笏注酒，班首奉詣御坐東進訖，少退，虛跪，興，以槃授典禦，退，閣門引降階。 舍人引當殿北向立，東上，讚拜，興，搢笏跪奉表，舍人接表，一員在東，餘詣親王西，置表笏上，授引進。 知引進司官殿上讀奏目，退，親王以下俯伏，興，躬，舍人讚再拜，引班首升東階，餘殿下分立。 閣門引詣御坐東，北向搢笏，尚醞典禦如前奉盤立，樂作，皇帝飲訖，受盞，復位，再拜如上儀。 知引進司官詣折檻東，西向宣曰“進奉收”。 讚拜，舞蹈，又再拜，西出。 親王以下赴紫宸殿立班。 引進官宣“進奉出”，天武奉進奉以出。 閣門復立殿上，教坊使讚送禦酒，又再拜，教坊致語訖，讚再拜，退。 次樞密官上壽，次管軍觀察以上上壽、進奉並如儀。 內侍舉禦茶床，舍人讚教坊使以下謝祗應，再拜訖，閣門側奏無公事。
Huizong’s birthday was observed on the tenth day of the tenth month as the Tianning Festival. The birthday rite was prescribed as follows. The emperor presided in the Hall of Bowed Reverence. After ministers had paid respects in common formation and divided into ranks, medical officers, awaiting-edict artists, and others below Gentleman for Following Righteousness withdrew first. An official of the Reception Bureau read the memorial agenda. An official of the Eastern Upper Gate Office reported the presentation of birthday wine and ascended by the eastern steps. The usher called for the Court Entertainment Office commissioner and those below to bow twice, reported the emperor’s well-being, bowed again, and returned to place. Next the cup attendants stepped forward slightly. The usher called for them to bow twice and ascend the hall in attendance; they stood on the eastern and western flights, waiting for the wine presentation to ascend the hall. Next the usher led the princes into the hall courtyard, where they stood facing north. He called for them to bow twice, and the rank leader reported the emperor’s well-being. The usher led tribute offerings in from the west and arrayed them behind the princes. Wine vessels on carrying frames were placed before the horses. The Heavenly Martial guards bowed and reported the emperor’s well-being, and the tribute horses were led out first. Inner attendants advanced the imperial tea table. The Director of the Palace Directorate poured the libation. The Eastern Upper Gate Office official on the dais bowed and reported: “Prince So-and-so and those below present birthday wine. ” The usher bowed to the princes and those below and called for them to bow twice, then led two princes up the hall. The Eastern Upper Gate Office official led them before the imperial seat while the usher stood on the lower eastern steps, facing west, (Hereafter follow this precedent.) The Imperial Cellar Director presented tray and cup to the rank leader. He inserted his tablet, received them, and stood facing west. The Imperial Cellar attendant opened the cup; one prince inserted his tablet and poured the wine; the rank leader bore it east of the imperial seat and presented it. He withdrew slightly, knelt in empty obeisance, rose, handed the tray to the director, withdrew, and the Gate Office led him down the steps. The usher led them to stand facing north in the central hall, ascended eastward, called for obeisance, and rose. They inserted their tablets, knelt, and presented the memorial. The usher received it—one man on the east, the rest going west to the princes, placing the memorial on their tablets, and handing it to the Reception official. The Reception Bureau official on the dais read the memorial agenda and withdrew. The princes and those below prostrated themselves, rose, and bowed. The usher called for them to bow twice, led the rank leader up the eastern steps, and the rest stood separately below in the hall. The Gate Office led them east of the imperial seat. Facing north, they inserted their tablets while the Imperial Cellar Director stood presenting the tray as before. Music sounded. When the emperor had finished drinking they received the cup, returned to place, and bowed twice as prescribed above. The Reception Bureau official went east of the balustrade, faced west, and announced: “Withdraw the tribute.” He called for obeisance, the treading dance, and another double bow, and they withdrew to the west. The princes and those below went to the Hall of Purple Felicity to form ranks. The Reception commissioner announced “Withdraw the tribute,” and the Heavenly Martial guards bore the offerings out. The Gate Office again took position on the dais. The Court Entertainment Office commissioner called for the presentation of imperial wine; they bowed again. When the Court Entertainment Office had finished its congratulatory address, he called for another double bow and they withdrew. Next Bureau of Military Affairs officials offered birthday congratulations; next army supervisors of observation commissioner rank and above offered congratulations and presented tribute, all according to the prescribed rite. Inner attendants raised the imperial tea table. The usher called for the Court Entertainment Office commissioner and those below to thank the court for their service. When the double bow was finished, the Gate Office reported from the side that there was no further business.
12
皇帝赴紫宸殿後閣受群臣上壽。 質明，三公以下百僚並於殿門外就次，東上閣門、御史台、太常寺分引入詣殿庭東西立。 閣門附內侍進班齊牌，皇帝出閣，禁衛諸班親從迎駕，自讚常起居。 皇帝升坐，鳴鞭，禮直官、通事舍人引三公至執政官，御史台、東上閣門分引百官，並橫行北向立，典儀讚再拜舞蹈，班首奏萬福，又再拜訖，分東西立。 禮直官引殿中監、少監升東階，詣酒尊所稍西，南向西上立，舍人揖教坊使以下通班大起居，次看盞人謝升殿，讚再拜。 內侍進禦茶床，殿侍酹酒訖，禮直官、通事舍人分引三公至執政官，御史台、東上閣門分引百僚，並橫行北向立，典儀讚再拜，讚者承傳，在位官皆再拜。 禮直官、通事舍人引上公升東階，東上閣門官接引升殿，授盞、啟盞如上儀。 上公詣御坐，俯伏跪奏：“文武百僚、上公具官臣某等稽首言：天寧令節，臣等不勝大慶，謹上千萬歲壽。 ”俯伏，興，退，降階，舍人接引復位，典儀讚再拜訖，禮直官引知樞密院官詣御坐前承旨，退詣折檻稍東，西向宣曰：“得公等壽酒，與公等內外同慶。 ”典儀讚拜如儀，百官分東西立。 禮直官、通事舍人引上公升東階，東上閣門官接引詣御坐東，搢笏，殿中監授盤，上公奉進御坐東，北向，樂作，皇帝飲訖，閣門引接盞，降，復位典儀讚拜如上儀。 宗室遙郡以下先退。 禮直官引樞密院官詣御坐前承旨，退詣折檻稍東，宣曰：“宣群臣升殿。 ”典儀讚拜訖，禮直官、通事舍人分引三公以下升東階，親王、使相以下升西階； 御史台、東上閣門分引秘書監以下升兩朵殿，並東西廊席後立。 尚醞典禦以盞授殿中監，奉禦啟盞，殿中監西向立，殿中少監以酒注於盞， 〈（第二、第三準此。）〉 奉詣御坐前，躬進訖，少退，奉盤西向立。 樂作，皇帝飲訖，殿中監接盞退，授奉禦，出笏復位。 通事舍人分引殿上官橫行北向，舍人讚再拜，典儀曰“再拜”，讚者承傳，皆再拜。 舍人讚就坐，各立席後，復讚就坐，群官皆坐。 酒初行，先宰臣，次百官，皆作樂。 尚食典禦、奉禦進食，太官設群官食，皇帝再舉酒，群官興，立席後，樂作，飲訖，舍人讚就坐，再行群官酒，皇帝三舉酒，並如第二之儀。 酒三行，舍人曰“可起”，群官興，立席後。 若宣示盞，即隨東上閣門官以下揖，稱“宣示盞”，躬，讚就坐。 若宣勸，即立席後，躬，飲訖，讚再拜。 內侍舉禦茶床，禮直官引左輔詣御坐前北向俯伏跪奏：“左輔具官臣某言禮畢。 ”俯伏，興，退，復位。 禮直官、通事舍人分引三公以下文武百僚降階橫行北向立，樞密院官在親王後。 典儀讚再拜，皆舞蹈再拜退。
The emperor went to the rear pavilion of the Hall of Purple Felicity to receive birthday congratulations from all ministers. At dawn the Three Excellencies and all officials below them took their places outside the hall gates. The Eastern Upper Gate Office, the Censorate, and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices led them in separately to stand east and west in the hall courtyard. The Gate Office, through an inner attendant, advanced the rank-formation tally. The emperor came out of the pavilion. Inner-palace guard ranks and personal attendants welcomed the imperial procession and themselves called the regular audience ceremony. The emperor ascended and took his seat. The whip was sounded. The ritual officer and protocol usher led the Three Excellencies through executive officials; the Censorate and Eastern Upper Gate Office led other officials in separately. All stood in horizontal ranks facing north. The master of ceremonies called for a double bow and treading dance. The rank leader reported the emperor’s well-being. After the second double bow they divided to stand east and west. The ritual officer led the Director and Deputy Director of the Palace Directorate up the eastern steps to a point slightly west of the wine altar, where they stood facing south and westward-upward. The usher bowed to the Court Entertainment Office commissioner and those below for the great audience in common formation. Next the cup attendants thanked for ascending the hall and were called to bow twice. Inner attendants advanced the imperial tea table. When palace attendants had finished pouring the libation, the ritual officer and protocol usher led the Three Excellencies through executive officials in separate groups; the Censorate and Eastern Upper Gate Office led other officials in separately. All stood in horizontal ranks facing north. The master of ceremonies called for a double bow; the caller transmitted it, and every official present bowed twice. The ritual officer and protocol usher led the senior duke up the eastern steps. The Eastern Upper Gate Office official received and led him up the hall. Presentation and opening of the cup followed the ceremony above. The senior duke went before the imperial seat, prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: “Civil and military officials, your subject the senior duke So-and-so and others kowtow and say: On this Tianning festival day we cannot contain our joy and respectfully wish Your Majesty ten thousand myriad years of life. ” He prostrated himself, rose, withdrew, and descended the steps. The usher received and led him back to place. When the double bow called by the master of ceremonies was finished, the ritual officer led the Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner before the imperial seat to receive the command. He withdrew to a point slightly east of the balustrade, faced west, and announced: “Having received your birthday wine, I share this celebration with you within and without. ” The master of ceremonies called for obeisance according to the ceremony, and officials divided to stand east and west. The ritual officer and protocol usher led the senior duke up the eastern steps. The Eastern Upper Gate Office official received and led him east of the imperial seat. He inserted his tablet; the Director of the Palace Directorate handed over the tray; the senior duke bore it forward east of the imperial seat, facing north. Music sounded. When the emperor had finished drinking, the Gate Office led him to receive the cup, descend, and return to place. The master of ceremonies called for obeisance as prescribed above. Imperial clansmen of distant commanderies and below withdrew first. The ritual officer led the Bureau of Military Affairs commissioner before the imperial seat to receive the command. He withdrew to a point slightly east of the balustrade and announced: “It is announced that all ministers shall ascend the hall. ” When the obeisance called by the master of ceremonies was finished, the ritual officer and protocol usher led the Three Excellencies and those below up the eastern steps and princes and commissioners with ministerial powers and those below up the western steps; The Censorate and Eastern Upper Gate Office led the Secretariat Director and those below up the two side halls, and all stood behind the seats in the eastern and western corridors. The Imperial Cellar Director handed the cup to the Director of the Palace Directorate. The Imperial Cellar attendant opened the cup. The Director stood facing west while the Deputy Director poured wine into the cup, (The second and third rounds follow this precedent.) He bore it before the imperial seat, bowed and presented it, withdrew slightly, and stood facing west holding the tray. Music sounded. When the emperor had finished drinking, the Director received the cup and withdrew, handed it to the Imperial Cellar attendant, removed his tablet, and returned to place. The protocol usher led officials on the upper hall in separate groups to stand in horizontal ranks facing north. The usher called for a double bow; the master of ceremonies said “Bow twice”; the caller transmitted it, and all bowed twice. The usher called for them to take their seats. Each stood behind his seat; he called again for them to be seated, and all officials sat. When wine was first served, the chief counselor was served first, then all other officials, with music throughout. The Imperial Kitchen Director and attendant advanced food; the Imperial Kitchen Office set out food for all officials. The emperor raised his cup a second time; officials rose and stood behind their seats. Music sounded. When they had finished drinking, the usher called for them to be seated. Wine was served to officials again, and the emperor raised his cup a third time—all following the second-round ceremony. After three rounds of wine the usher said “You may rise,” and officials rose to stand behind their seats. If an edict cup was proclaimed, they followed the Eastern Upper Gate Office official and those below in bowing, called out “Edict cup proclaimed,” bowed, and were called to be seated. If an edict toast was proclaimed, they stood behind their seats, bowed, finished drinking, and were called to bow twice. Inner attendants raised the imperial tea table. The ritual officer led the Left Assistant before the imperial seat. Facing north, he prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: “Left Assistant and official of full rank, your subject So-and-so, reports that the rites are complete. ” He prostrated himself, rose, withdrew, and returned to place. The ritual officer and protocol usher led the Three Excellencies and all civil and military officials below them down the steps to stand in horizontal ranks facing north. Bureau of Military Affairs officials stood behind the princes. The master of ceremonies called for a double bow. All performed the treading dance, bowed twice, and withdrew.
13
靖康元年四月十三日，太宰徐處仁等表請為乾龍節。 至日，皇帝帥百官詣龍德宮上壽畢，即本宮賜侍從官以上宴。
On the thirteenth day of the fourth month of the first year of Jingkang (1126), Grand Counselor Xu Churen and others memorialized asking that the day be designated the Qianlong Festival. On the day itself the emperor led all officials to the Palace of Dragon Virtue to offer birthday congratulations. When that was done he granted a banquet at the palace to personal attendants and those above.
14
建炎元年五月，宰臣等上言，請以五月二十一日為天申節。 詔曰：“朕承祖宗遺澤，獲托士民之上，求所以扶危持顛之道，未知攸濟。 念二聖鑾輿在遠，萬民失業，將士暴露，夙夜痛悼，寢食幾廢，況以眇躬之故，聞樂飲酒，以自為樂乎？ 非惟深拂朕誌，實增感於朕心。 所有將來天申節百官上壽常禮，可令寢罷。 ”至是止就佛寺啟散祝壽道場，詣閣門或後殿拜表稱賀。
In the fifth month of the first year of Jianyan (1127), the chief counselor and others memorialized asking that the twenty-first day of the fifth month be designated the Tianshen Festival. An edict stated: “I have received the lingering blessings of my ancestors and been placed above officials and common people, yet I still do not know how to find the way to support what is tottering and hold up what is overturned. When I reflect that the Two Sovereigns’ imperial carriages are far away, the people have lost their livelihoods, and soldiers lie exposed to the elements, I grieve day and night and can scarcely eat or sleep. How then could I, for my own sake, hear music and drink wine for pleasure? This would not only deeply violate my intent but truly add to the anguish in my heart. The regular ceremony by which officials offer birthday congratulations on the coming Tianshen Festival is hereby suspended. ” Henceforth only Buddhist temples were used to open and close the long-life prayer grounds, and officials offered congratulations by memorial at the Gate Office or the rear hall.
15
紹興十三年二月，臣僚奏：“臣聞孝理天下者，帝王之盛德，歸美報上者，臣子之至誠。 是皆因性自然，發於觀感，必各盡其至，然後為稱。 恭惟陛下撫艱難之運，憂勤在禦，兢兢業業，圖濟中興，孝德通於神明，皇天為之悔禍，長樂還闕，適當誕節之前，陛下以天下養，獲伸宮闈上壽之儀，臣民得於觀聽，天下無不欣慶，所以崇大養而成孝理之功者，既以盡善盡美矣。 陛下誕聖佳辰，乃臣子所願奉觴上壽，以盡歸美之意，其可不舉而行之乎？ 臣愚，欲望將來天申節許令有司舉行舊典，至日，百官得以奉萬年之觴，仰祝聖壽，天下幸甚。 ”太常、禮部討論：每遇聖節，樞密院以下先詣垂拱殿上壽畢，宰臣率百僚於紫宸殿上壽。 前一月，分日啟建道場，至前一日，樞密院官滿散依例作齋筵。 至日，三省官上壽立班訖，次赴滿散作齋筵。 後二日，大宴於集英殿。 時命御史台、太常寺修立儀注。
In the second month of the thirteenth year of Shaoxing (1143), officials memorialized: “We have heard that governing the realm through filial piety is the supreme virtue of emperors and kings, and returning praise to repay one’s superiors is the utmost sincerity of subjects. All of this arises from nature itself and springs from observation and feeling; each must reach its utmost before it can be called fitting. Respectfully considering that Your Majesty has embraced a difficult destiny, labored anxiously upon the throne, been cautious and fearful, and sought restoration, filial virtue has reached the spirits and Heaven has turned back calamity. Everlasting Joy has returned to the palace just before the birthday festival. Your Majesty, nourishing the realm with the realm, has been able to extend the palace birthday rite; officials and people have witnessed it, and none under Heaven has failed to rejoice. In exalting great nourishment to accomplish the work of governing through filial piety, the achievement is already complete in goodness and beauty. Your Majesty’s sacred birthday is precisely what your subjects wish to honor by raising cups and offering congratulations, to fulfill the intent of returning praise—how could it not be enacted? We your humble subjects venture to request that on the coming Tianshen Festival the responsible offices be permitted to conduct the old precedents, so that on the day all officials may present cups for ten thousand years and pray for Your Majesty’s long life. Great indeed would be the fortune of the realm. ” The Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ministry of Rites deliberated: on each imperial birthday festival, officials from the Bureau of Military Affairs downward first offered congratulations in the Hall of Bowed Reverence; when that was done the chief counselor led all officials to offer congratulations in the Hall of Purple Felicity. One month beforehand ritual grounds were opened on separate days. On the day before, Bureau of Military Affairs officials held the completion dispersal and, according to precedent, gave a vegetarian feast. On the day itself, after the Three Departments officials had finished forming ranks for birthday congratulations, they next went to the completion dispersal and held a vegetarian feast. Two days later a grand banquet was held in the Hall of Assembled Excellence. At the time the Censorate and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices were ordered to compile and establish the ritual regulations.
16
孝宗隆興元年，太上皇帝天申節，皇帝及宰臣、文武百僚詣德壽宮上壽。 是日，以欽宗大祥，前一日，皇帝起居如宮中儀，百僚拜表稱賀。
In the first year of Longxing (1163) under Xiaozong, on the Retired Emperor’s Tianshen Festival the emperor, the chief counselor, and all civil and military officials went to the Palace of Virtuous Longevity to offer birthday congratulations. On that day, because it was the great mourning completion for Emperor Qinzong, on the day before the emperor paid respects according to inner-palace ceremony and officials submitted congratulatory memorials.
17
乾道八年，立皇太子，皇帝率皇太子及文武百僚詣德壽宮上壽。 前期，儀鸞司陳設德壽宮殿門之內外，設御坐於殿上當中南向，設大次於德壽宮門內南向，小次於殿東廊西向，設皇帝褥位二：一於御坐東南，西向； 一於御坐之南，北向。 尚醞設禦酒尊、酒器於御坐之東，有司又設禦茶床於御坐之西，俱稍北。 其日，文武百僚內不係從駕者，並先赴德壽宮門外以俟迎駕起居。 質明，皇帝服靴袍出即御坐，從駕臣僚、禁衛起居如常儀。 皇帝降坐，乘輦將至德壽宮，文武百僚迎駕再拜起居訖，前導官、太常卿、閣門官、太常博士、禮直官先入，詣大次前分左右立定。 皇帝降輦入次，御史台、閣門、太常寺分引皇太子並文武百僚入詣殿廷，東西相向立定，前導官導皇帝入小次，簾降。 皇太子並文武百僚並橫行北向立。 太上皇帝出宮升御坐，鳴鞭，小次簾卷。 前導官導皇帝升殿東階，詣殿折檻前北向褥位，再拜，躬奏聖躬萬福，再拜，皇帝詣太上皇帝御坐之東褥位西向立，前導官於殿上隨地之宜立。 次舍人揖皇太子並文武百僚躬，典儀曰“再拜”，讚者承傳，在位官皆再拜，搢笏舞蹈，又再拜，皇太子不離位，奏聖躬萬福，各再拜，直身，分東西相向立。 禮直官引奉盤盞官、受盤盞官、承旨宣答官、奏禮畢官、殿中監、少監升殿。 內侍進禦茶床，尚醞典禦以盤盞、酒注授殿中監、少監，次禮直官引奉盤盞官詣酒尊所北向，殿中監啟盞，殿中少監注酒，奉盤盞官奉酒詣皇帝前北向，禮直官引受盤盞官詣太上皇帝御坐前，西向立，皇太子並文武百僚橫行北向立。 奉盤盞官躬進皇帝，皇帝奉酒，前導官導皇帝詣太上皇帝御坐前躬進訖，少後，以盤授受盤盞官。 前導官導皇帝詣太上御坐前褥位北向俯伏跪，殿下皇太子並百僚皆躬身。 皇帝奏：“臣某謹率文武百僚稽首言：天申令節，臣某與百僚等不勝大慶，謹上千萬歲壽。 ”奏訖，伏，興，再拜，在位官皆再拜。 承旨宣答官宣曰：“得皇帝壽酒，與皇帝並百僚內外同慶。 ”皇帝再拜，在位官皆再拜訖，分東西相向立。 皇帝詣御坐東，西向立，奉盤盞官以盤北向恭進，皇帝奉盤，樂作，俟太上皇帝飲酒，皇帝躬接盞訖，皇帝少後，以盤盞授受盤盞官，以授殿中監，各復位立。 皇太子並文武百僚橫行北向，皇帝詣褥位北向再拜，在位官皆再拜。 皇帝詣太上御坐東褥位西向立，皇太子、文武百僚再拜，搢笏舞蹈，又再拜訖，內侍舉茶床，奏禮畢官北向俯伏跪奏：“具官臣某言禮畢。 ”在位官再拜。 太上皇帝駕興，皇帝從入，文武百僚以次退。
In the eighth year of Qiandao (1172), when the heir apparent was established, the emperor led the heir apparent and all civil and military officials to the Palace of Virtuous Longevity to offer birthday congratulations. Beforehand the Imperial Insignia Office arranged the inside and outside of the Palace of Virtuous Longevity gates, set the imperial seat in the center of the upper hall facing south, set the great secondary seat inside the palace gate facing south, set the small secondary seat in the eastern corridor of the hall facing west, and set two cushioned places for the emperor: one southeast of the imperial seat, facing west; and one south of the imperial seat, facing north. The Imperial Cellar set imperial wine vessels east of the imperial seat, and the responsible offices also set the imperial tea table west of the imperial seat, both slightly to the north. On that day, civil and military officials not attached to the imperial procession all went first outside the Palace of Virtuous Longevity gates to await the welcoming of the imperial procession and the audience ceremony. At dawn the emperor, wearing boots and robe, came out and took the imperial seat. Accompanying officials and inner guards paid respects according to the usual ceremony. The emperor descended from his seat and mounted the imperial carriage. As he approached the Palace of Virtuous Longevity, civil and military officials welcomed the procession, bowed twice, and finished the audience ceremony. The advance guide, Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Gate Office officials, Court of Imperial Sacrifices academicians, and ritual officers entered first and took their fixed places left and right before the great secondary seat. The emperor descended from the carriage and entered the secondary seat. The Censorate, Gate Office, and Court of Imperial Sacrifices led the heir apparent and all civil and military officials into the hall courtyard, where they stood facing each other east and west. The advance guide led the emperor into the small secondary seat and the curtain was lowered. The heir apparent and all civil and military officials stood in horizontal ranks facing north. The Retired Emperor came out of the inner palace, ascended, and took the imperial seat. The whip was sounded and the curtain of the small secondary seat was raised. The advance guide led the emperor up the eastern steps of the hall to the cushioned place north of the hall balustrade, where he bowed twice, bowed and reported the Retired Emperor’s well-being, and bowed again. The emperor went to the cushioned place east of the Retired Emperor’s imperial seat and stood facing west, while the advance guide stood on the upper hall wherever the ground was suitable. Next the usher bowed to the heir apparent and all civil and military officials. The master of ceremonies said “Bow twice,” the caller transmitted it, and every official present bowed twice, inserted tablets, performed the treading dance, and bowed again. The heir apparent did not leave his place and reported the Retired Emperor’s well-being. Each bowed again, straightened up, and divided to stand facing each other east and west. The ritual officer led the tray-and-cup presenters, tray-and-cup receivers, command-receiving announcers, rites-completion reporters, Director of the Palace Directorate, and Deputy Director up the hall. Inner attendants advanced the imperial tea table. The Imperial Cellar Director handed tray, cup, and wine pitcher to the Director and Deputy Director of the Palace Directorate. Next the ritual officer led the tray-and-cup presenter to the wine altar facing north. The Director opened the cup, the Deputy Director poured the wine, and the presenter bore the wine before the emperor facing north. The ritual officer led the receiver before the Retired Emperor’s imperial seat, where he stood facing west, while the heir apparent and all civil and military officials stood in horizontal ranks facing north. The tray-and-cup presenter bowed and presented to the emperor. The emperor received the wine, and the advance guide led him before the Retired Emperor’s imperial seat, where he bowed and presented it. When finished he withdrew slightly and handed the tray to the receiver. The advance guide led the emperor to the cushioned place before the Retired Emperor’s imperial seat, where he faced north, prostrated himself, and knelt. Below the hall the heir apparent and all officials bowed. The emperor reported: “Your subject So-and-so respectfully leads all civil and military officials in kowtowing and saying: On this Tianshen festival day your subject So-and-so together with all officials cannot contain our joy and respectfully wish Your Majesty ten thousand myriad years of life. ” When the report was finished he prostrated himself, rose, bowed twice, and every official present bowed twice. The command-receiving announcer announced: “Having received the emperor’s birthday wine, I share this celebration with the emperor and all officials within and without. ” The emperor bowed twice. When every official present had bowed twice they divided to stand facing each other east and west. The emperor went east of the imperial seat and stood facing west. The tray-and-cup presenter respectfully advanced the tray facing north, and the emperor received it. Music sounded. When the Retired Emperor had finished drinking, the emperor personally received the cup, withdrew slightly, handed the tray and cup to the receiver, who handed them to the Director of the Palace Directorate. Each returned to place and stood. The heir apparent and all civil and military officials stood in horizontal ranks facing north. The emperor went to the cushioned place, faced north, and bowed twice, and every official present bowed twice. The emperor went to the cushioned place east of the Retired Emperor’s imperial seat and stood facing west. The heir apparent and all civil and military officials bowed twice, inserted tablets, performed the treading dance, and bowed again. When finished, inner attendants raised the tea table. The rites-completion reporter, facing north, prostrated himself, knelt, and reported: “Official of full rank, your subject So-and-so, reports that the rites are complete. ” Every official present bowed twice. The Retired Emperor’s carriage was raised. The emperor followed him in, and all civil and military officials withdrew in order.
18
淳熙二年十一月，詔：“太上皇帝聖壽無疆，新歲七十，以十一日冬至加上尊號冊寶，十二月十七日立春行慶壽禮。 ”是日早，文武百僚並簪花赴文德殿立班，聽宣慶壽赦。 宣赦訖，從駕至德壽宮行慶壽禮，致詞曰：“皇帝臣某言：天祐君親，錫茲難老，維春之吉，年德加新。 臣某與群臣等不勝大慶，謹上千萬歲壽。 ”餘與前上壽儀注同。 禮畢，從駕官、應奉官、禁衛等並簪花從駕還內，文武百僚文德殿拜表稱賀。
In the eleventh month of the second year of Chunxi (1175), an edict stated: “The Retired Emperor’s sacred life is without limit; in the new year he will be seventy. On the eleventh day, the winter solstice, superior honorific title tablets and seals shall be added; on the seventeenth day of the twelfth month, the beginning of spring, the long-life celebration rite shall be performed. ” Early that day all civil and military officials, wearing floral pins, went to the Hall of Civil Virtue to form ranks and hear the proclamation of the long-life celebration amnesty. When the amnesty had been proclaimed they followed the imperial procession to the Palace of Virtuous Longevity to perform the long-life celebration rite, with the address: “The emperor, your subject So-and-so, says: Heaven blesses ruler and parent and bestows this ripe old age; on this auspicious spring day years and virtue are renewed. Your subject So-and-so together with all ministers cannot contain our joy and respectfully wish ten thousand myriad years of life. ” The remainder followed the same ritual regulations as the previous birthday-congratulation ceremony. When the rites were finished, accompanying officials, attendance officials, and inner guards all wore floral pins and followed the imperial procession back within. All civil and military officials presented congratulatory memorials at the Hall of Civil Virtue.
19
十年十二月，以太上皇后新年七十，詔以立春日行慶賀之禮。 十三年春正月朔，以太上皇帝聖壽八十，帝率群臣詣德壽宮行禮，其儀注、恩赦並如淳熙二年典故。
In the twelfth month of the tenth year, because the Retired Empress would be seventy in the new year, an edict ordered that congratulatory rites be performed on the day of the beginning of spring. On the first day of the first month of spring in the thirteenth year, because the Retired Emperor reached eighty, the emperor led all ministers to the Palace of Virtuous Longevity to perform the rite. The ritual regulations and grace amnesty all followed the precedents of the second year of Chunxi.
20
孝宗以十月二十二日為會慶節，光宗以九月四日為重明節，寧宗以十月十九日為天祐節、尋改為瑞慶節，理宗以正月五日為天基節，度宗以四月九日為乾會節，瀛國公以九月二十八日為天瑞節。 其上壽稱賀之禮，大略皆如天申節儀。
Xiaozong’s birthday was observed on the twenty-second day of the tenth month as the Huiqing Festival; Guangzong’s on the fourth day of the ninth month as the Chongming Festival; Ningzong’s on the nineteenth day of the tenth month as the Tianyou Festival, soon renamed the Ruiqing Festival; Lizong’s on the fifth day of the first month as the Tianji Festival; Duzong’s on the ninth day of the fourth month as the Qianhui Festival; and the Lord of Ying’s on the twenty-eighth day of the ninth month as the Tianrui Festival. The birthday congratulations and celebratory rites were in general the same as those for the Tianshen Festival.
21
諸慶節，古無是也，真宗以後始有之。 大中祥符元年，詔以正月三日天書降日為天慶節，休假五日，兩京諸路州、府、軍、監前七日建道場設醮，斷屠宰； 節日，士庶特令宴樂，京師然燈。 又以六月六日為天貺節，京師斷屠宰，百官行香上清宮。 又以七月一日聖祖降日為先天節，十月二十四日降延恩殿日為降聖節，休假、宴樂並如天慶節。 中書、親王、節度、樞密、三司以下至駙馬都尉，詣長春殿進金縷延壽帶、金絲續命縷，上保生壽酒。 改禦崇德殿，賜百官飲，如聖節儀。 前一日，以金縷延壽帶、金塗銀結續命縷、緋彩羅延壽帶、彩絲續命縷分賜百官，節日戴以入。 禮畢，宴百官於錫慶院。 天禧初，詔以大中祥符元年四月一日天書再降內中功德閣為天禎節，一如天貺節。 尋以仁宗嫌名，改為天祺節。
The various celebratory holidays did not exist in antiquity; they began only after Zhenzong. In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1008), an edict established the day on which the Heavenly Writ descended, the third day of the first month, as the Tianqing Festival, with five days of leave. In the two capitals and all circuits, prefectures, armies, and supervisory posts ritual grounds were established and offerings performed for seven days beforehand, and slaughter was forbidden; On the festival day commoners and gentry were specially permitted feasting and music, and lamps were lit in the capital. The sixth day of the sixth month was also made the Tiankuang Festival. In the capital slaughter was forbidden and all officials offered incense at the Palace of Supreme Clarity. The first day of the seventh month, the day the Sacred Ancestor descended, was also made the Xiantian Festival, and the twenty-fourth day of the tenth month, the day of descent at the Hall of Extended Grace, was made the Jiangsheng Festival. Leave and feasting with music were the same as for the Tianqing Festival. The Secretariat, princes, military commissioners, Bureau of Military Affairs, Three Departments, and those down to commandants of imperial sons-in-law went to the Hall of Eternal Spring to present gold-thread longevity belts and gold-thread life-prolonging cords and to offer life-preserving birthday wine. The venue was changed to the Hall of Reverence for Virtue, where drink was bestowed on all officials, as in the imperial birthday festival ceremony. On the day before, gold-thread longevity belts, gold-plated silver-knotted life-prolonging cords, crimson silk longevity belts, and colored-silk life-prolonging cords were distributed to all officials, who wore them when entering on the festival day. When the rites were finished all officials were banqueted at the Court of Bestowed Celebration. At the beginning of Tianxi, an edict established the day on which the Heavenly Writ descended again within the palace at the Merit and Virtue Pavilion on the first day of the fourth month in the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu as the Tianzhen Festival, exactly like the Tiankuang Festival. Shortly afterward, because of the taboo name of Renzong, it was changed to the Tianqi Festival.
22
政和三年十一月五日，以修祀事，天真示見，詔為天應節。 又以五月十二日祭方丘日為寧貺節，既又以二月十五日太上混元上德皇帝降聖日為真元節，八月九日青華帝君生辰為元成節，正月四日有太祖神禦之州府宮殿行香為開基節，十月二十五日為天符節，皆如天慶節，著為令。
On the fifth day of the eleventh month in the third year of Zhenghe (1113), because of repair of sacrificial affairs the Heavenly Truth manifested, and an edict established it as the Tianying Festival. The twelfth day of the fifth month, the day of sacrifice at the square mound altar, was also made the Ningkuang Festival. Next the fifteenth day of the second month, the day the Supreme Emperor of Mixed Origin and Upper Virtue descended, was made the Zhenyuan Festival; the ninth day of the eighth month, the birthday of the Azure Flower Sovereign Lord, was made the Yuancheng Festival; the fourth day of the first month, when incense was offered at prefectural palaces housing Taizu’s spirit tablet, was made the Kaiji Festival; and the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month was made the Tianfu Festival—all like the Tianqing Festival and entered into statute.
23
高宗建炎元年十一月五日，詔：“政和以來添置諸節，除開基節外，餘並依祖宗法。”
On the fifth day of the eleventh month in the first year of Jianyan (1127), Gaozong issued an edict: “The various holidays added since the Zhenghe period, except the Kaiji Festival, shall all follow the ancestral regulations.