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禮十六 〈（嘉禮四）〉 ○宴饗遊觀賜酺
Rites 16 (Auspicious Rites, Part Four) Banquets, Outings, and Bestowed Communal Feasts
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宴饗之設，所以訓恭儉、示惠慈也。 宋制，嘗以春秋之季仲及聖節、郊祀、籍田禮畢，巡幸還京，凡國有大慶皆大宴，遇大災、大劄則罷。 天聖後，大宴率於集英殿，次宴紫宸殿，小宴垂拱殿，若特旨則不拘常制。 凡大宴，有司預於殿庭設山樓排場，為群仙隊仗、六番進貢、九龍五鳳之狀，司天雞唱樓於其側。 殿上陳錦繡帷帟，垂香球，設銀香獸前檻內，藉以文茵，設禦茶床、酒器於殿東北楹，群臣盞斝於殿下幕屋。 設宰相、使相、樞密使、知樞密院、參知政事、樞密副使、同知樞密院、宣徽使、三師、三公、僕射、尚書丞郎、學士、直學士、御史大夫、中丞、三司使、給、諫、舍人、節度使、兩使留後、觀察、團練使、待制、宗室、遙郡團練使、刺史、上將軍、統軍、軍廂指揮使坐於殿上，文武四品以上、知雜御史、郎中、郎將、禁軍都虞候坐於朵殿，自餘升朝官、諸軍副都頭以上、諸蕃進奉使、諸道進奉軍將以上分於兩廡。 宰臣、使相坐以繡墩； 〈（曲宴行幸用杌子。）〉 參知政事以下用二蒲墩，加罽兟； 〈（曲宴，樞密使、副並同。）〉 軍都指揮使以上用一蒲墩； 自朵殿而下皆緋緣氈條席。 殿上器用金，餘以銀。 其日，樞密使以下先起居訖，當侍立者升殿。 宰相率百官入，宣徽、閣門通唱，致辭訖，宰相升殿進酒，各就坐，酒九行。 每上舉酒，群臣立侍，次宰相、次百官舉酒； 或傳旨命釂，即搢笏起飲，再拜。 〈（曲宴多令不拜。）〉 或上壽朝會，止令滿酌，不勸。 中飲更衣，賜花有差。 宴訖，蹈舞拜謝而退。
Banquets were instituted to cultivate reverence and frugality and to display kindness and compassion. Under Song regulations, grand banquets were usually held in the middle months of spring and autumn, on imperial birthdays, after suburban sacrifice and the sacred-field plowing, and when the emperor returned from tour; any great national celebration called for a grand banquet, while great disasters or major mourning edicts suspended them. After the Tiansheng period, grand banquets were usually held in the Hall of Collected Elegance, secondary banquets in the Hall of Purple Felicity, and minor banquets in the Hall of Bowed Reverence; special edicts could override the usual arrangements. Before each grand banquet, the responsible offices erected in the courtyard a mountain-pavilion stage featuring Immortal processions, the six tribute missions, and Nine Dragons and Five Phoenixes; the Office of Heaven placed a cock-crow tower beside it. Brocade curtains and canopies hung in the hall, incense balls suspended above; silver incense beasts stood inside the front railing on patterned mats; the imperial tea table and wine vessels were placed at the hall’s northeast pillar, while ministers’ cups and goblets were kept in tent-houses below. Seated in the main hall were the chief counselor, commissioners with ministerial powers, Bureau of Military Affairs commissioners and deputies, vice grand councilors, Palace Domestic Service commissioner, Three Preceptors, Three Excellencies, Pushe, vice ministers, academicians, censor-in-chief, Three Departments commissioner, remonstrance and memorial officials, secretariat drafters, military commissioners, officials on leave, observation and training commissioners, awaiting appointment, imperial clansmen, distant prefects, prefects, senior generals, army supervisors, and wing commanders; civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above, supervising censors, directors, commandants, and palace guard commanders sat in the side hall; all other court officials, deputy army commanders and above, foreign tribute envoys, and circuit tribute commissioners were placed in the two wings. Chief counselors and commissioners with ministerial powers sat on embroidered cushions; (On tours, informal banquets used backless stools.) From the vice grand councilor down, officials used two rush cushions with felt covers; (At informal banquets, the Bureau commissioner and deputy followed the same rule.) Army commanders and above used one rush cushion; from the side hall downward all used crimson-bordered felt strip mats. Vessels in the hall were gold; elsewhere silver. That day, from the Bureau commissioner down officials paid respects first; those assigned to stand attendance then entered the hall. The chief counselor led the officials in; the Palace Domestic Service and Gate Office called the ceremony; after the congratulatory address the counselor ascended to present wine; everyone took his seat; nine rounds of wine followed. Whenever the emperor raised his cup, ministers stood in attendance; then the chief counselor, then all officials raised theirs; or if an edict ordered a toast, they inserted their tablets, rose, drank, and bowed again. (Informal banquets often waived bowing.) At birthday congratulations or court assemblies they were told only to fill their cups, not urged to drink further. Mid-banquet they changed dress; conferred flowers varied by rank. When the banquet ended, they performed the treading dance, bowed in thanks, and withdrew.
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建隆元年，大宴於廣德殿，酒九行而罷。 乾德元年十一月，南郊禮成，大宴廣德殿，謂之飲福。 是後三年，開寶三年、五年、六年、七年、八年，並設秋宴於大明殿，以長春節在二月故也。 太平興國之後，止設春宴，在大明者十一，在含光者六。 宴日，親王、樞密使副、宣徽、三司使、駙馬都尉皆侍立，軍校自龍武四廂都指揮使以上立於庭。 其宴契丹使亦於崇德殿，但近臣及刺史、郎中而上預焉。
Jianlong 1: a grand banquet in the Hall of Broad Virtue ended after nine rounds of wine. Qiande 1, eleventh month: after the suburban sacrifice, a grand banquet in the Hall of Broad Virtue was called Drinking the Blessing. For the next three years, and in Kaibao 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, autumn banquets were held in the Hall of Great Brightness because the Birthday of Everlasting Spring fell in the second month. After Taiping Xingguo, only spring banquets remained—eleven in the Hall of Great Brightness and six in the Hall of Containing Light. On banquet days imperial princes, Bureau commissioner and deputy, Palace Domestic Service commissioner, Three Departments commissioner, and imperial sons-in-law stood in attendance; officers from the four Dragon Martial wings upward stood in the courtyard. Khitan envoys were also entertained in the Hall of Honored Virtue, but only close ministers and officials from prefect and director rank upward attended.
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淳化四年正月，以南郊禮成，大宴含光殿，直史館陳靖上言：「古之饗宴者，所以省禍福而觀威儀也。 故宴以禮成，賓以賢序，《風》、《雅》之作，茲為盛焉。 伏見近年內殿賜宴，群臣當坐於朵殿、兩廊者，拜舞方畢，趨馳就席，品列之序，糾紛無別。 及至尊舉爵，群臣起立，先後不整，俯仰失節。 欲望自今令有司預依品位告諭，其有逾越班次、拜起失節、喧嘩過甚者，並令糾舉。 又惟飫賜之典，以寵武夫，大烹之餘，故為盛饌。 計一飯所費，可數人之屬厭，而將校輩或至終宴之時，尚有欲炙之色，蓋執事者失於察視，不及潔豐而使然也。 伏望並申嚴製。」 至道元年三月，御史中丞李昌齡亦言：「廣宴之設，以均飫賜，得齒高會，宜乎盡禮。 而有位之士，鮮克致恭，當糾其不恪。 又供事禁庭，當定員數，籍姓名以謹其出入。 酒殽之司，或虧精潔，望分命中使巡察。」 並從之。
Chunhua 4, first month: after the suburban sacrifice a grand banquet was held in the Hall of Containing Light; Chen Jing of the Direct Historiography Office wrote: “Ancient feasts surveyed fortune and misfortune and displayed ritual decorum. Thus the feast follows completed rites, guests are ranked by merit, and the pieces in the 《Airs》 and 《Eulogies》 mark the height of such ceremony. In recent inner-palace banquets, ministers assigned to the side hall and wings finished their bows and then rushed to their seats, so rank order collapsed into confusion. When the emperor raised his goblet, ministers rose in disorder, bowing and rising without proper sequence. I ask that hereafter the responsible offices announce seating by rank in advance; anyone who oversteps place, errs in bowing, or is excessively noisy should be reported and disciplined. Moreover, the bestowal feast honors military men; after the great cooking comes an especially lavish spread. A single meal could feed several men, yet some commanders even at the banquet’s end still looked hungry for roast meat—because overseers had not ensured ample, clean provisions. I humbly ask that this too be strictly enforced. Zhidao 1, third month: Vice Censor-in-Chief Li Changling also said: “Broad banquets equalize the bestowal feast; those of rank who attend should observe full ritual. Yet men of position seldom show due respect; their negligence should be disciplined. Those serving in the forbidden precinct should have fixed numbers; register names to control entry and exit. Wine and meat offices sometimes lack refinement; assign rotating eunuch inspectors. Both proposals were approved.
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咸平三年二月，大宴含光殿，自是始備設春秋大宴。 五年，御史臺言：「大宴，起居舍人、司諫、正言、三院使、御史並坐於殿廊，望自今移升朵殿，自餘依舊。」 十二月，詔凡內宴，宗正卿令升殿坐，班次依合班儀。 翰林學士梁顥請以春秋大宴、小宴、賞花、行幸次為四圖，頒下閣門遵守。 從之。
Xianping 3, second month: a grand banquet in the Hall of Containing Light; spring and autumn grand banquets were fully instituted from this point. Year 5: the Censorate said: “At grand banquets diarists, remonstrance officials, rectifiers, three-institute commissioners, and censors sit in the hall corridors; move them to the side hall hereafter; the rest unchanged.” Twelfth month: for all inner banquets the Imperial Clan director was to ascend and take a seat; seating followed the Combined Audience regulations. Hanlin Academician Liang Hao asked that spring grand banquet, minor banquet, flower viewing, and tour sequences be drawn in four charts and issued to the Gate Office. Approved.
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景德二年九月，詔曰：「朝會陳儀，衣冠就列，將以訓上下、彰文物，宜慎等威，用符紀律。 況屢頒於條令，宜自顧於典刑。 稍曆歲時，漸成懈慢。 特申明製，以儆具僚。 自今宴會，宜令御史臺預定位次，各令端肅，不得喧嘩。 違者，殿上委大夫、中丞，朵殿委知雜御史、侍御史，廊下委左右巡使，察視彈奏； 內職殿直以上赴起居、入殿庭行私禮者，委閣門彈奏； 其軍員，令殿前侍衛司各差都校一人提轄，但虧失禮容，即送所司勘斷訖奏。 仍令閣門、宣徽使互相察舉，敢蔽匿者糾之。」
Jingde 2, ninth month: an edict said: “Court assemblies display ritual; robes and caps take their places to train rank and manifest civilization; dignity must match discipline. This has been repeatedly promulgated; officials should heed the canonical penalties. Over the years slackness had gradually set in. The regulations are now clarified to warn all officials. Hereafter at banquets the Censorate shall fix seating in advance; all must remain solemn and quiet. Violators on the hall are reported by the grand censor and vice censor-in-chief; in the side hall by supervising and attendant censors; in the corridors by left and right patrol commissioners; inner-service officials of palace attendance and above who attend audience or perform private rites in the hall court are reported by the Gate Office; for military personnel each Palace Guard service shall detail one company commander; anyone lacking proper bearing is sent for investigation and report. The Gate Office and Palace Domestic Service commissioner shall also inspect each other; concealment is impeachable.”
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大中祥符元年十二月，詔宣徽院、御史臺、閣門、殿前馬步軍司，凡內宴臣僚、軍員並祗候使臣等，並以前後儀製曉諭，務令遵稟，違者密具名聞。 其軍員有因酒言詞失次及醉仆者，即先扶出，或遣殿前司量添巡檢軍士護送歸營。 又詔臣僚有托故請假不赴宴者，御史臺糾奏。 天禧四年，直集賢院祖士衡言：「大宴將更衣，群臣下殿，然後更衣，更衣後再坐，則群臣班於殿庭，候上升坐，起居謝賜花，再拜升殿。」
Dazhong Xiangfu 1, twelfth month: the Palace Domestic Service, Censorate, Gate Office, and Palace Guards were ordered to instruct all inner-banquet officials, soldiers, and attendants in former and current ritual and report violators secretly by name. Soldiers who grow disorderly or fall drunk are first helped out, or the Palace Front Service adds patrols to escort them to camp. Civil officials who falsely plead illness to skip the banquet are impeached by the Censorate. Tianxi 4: Zu Shihang of the Direct Academy said: “Before the mid-banquet change of dress ministers leave the hall; after the emperor returns they line in the courtyard, thank him for flowers, bow twice, and re-enter.”
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仁宗天聖三年，監察御史朱諫言：「伏見大宴，宗室先退，允為得禮。 尚有文武臣僚父子、兄弟者，皆預再坐，欲望自今內宴，百官有父子、兄弟、叔侄同赴，再坐時卑者先退。」 慶曆七年，御史言：「凡預大宴並御筵，其所賜花，並須載歸私第，不得更令仆從持戴，違者糾舉。」
Renzong, Tiansheng 3: Supervising Censor Zhu Jian said: “At grand banquets the imperial clan withdraws first—this is proper. Yet fathers and sons or brothers among civil and military officials all stay for the second seating; at inner banquets when kin attend together, juniors should withdraw first at the second seating.” Qingli 7: censors said flowers conferred at grand banquets and imperial feasts must be carried home personally, not worn by servants; violators are impeached.”
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熙寧二年正月，閣門言：「準詔裁定集英殿宴入殿人數：中書二十二人，樞密院三十人，宣徽院八人，親王八人，昭德軍節度使、兼侍中曹佾三人，皇親使相三人，皇親正刺史已上至節度使並駙馬都尉各一人，翰林司一百七十八人，禦廚六百人，儀鸞司一百五十人，祗候庫二十人，內衣物庫七人，新衣庫七人，內弓箭庫三人，鈐轄教坊所三人，鍾鼓樓一十六人，禦藥院八人，內物料庫九人，法酒庫一十六人，內酒坊八人，入內內侍省前後行、親事官共五人，皇城司職員手分二人，禦史台知班一十一人，灑掃親從官人員已下一百人，兩廊覷步親從官四十二人，提舉司勾押官手分三人，提舉火燭巡檢人員一十人，快行親從官一十一人，支散兩省花後苑造作所工匠等四人，客省承授行首八人，四方館職掌二人，閣門承受行首已下一十八人。」 是歲十一月，以皇子生，宴集英殿。
Xining 2, first month: the Gate Office reported the edict fixing Hall of Collected Elegance attendance: Secretariat 22, Bureau of Military Affairs 30, Palace Domestic Service 8, imperial princes 8, Cao You 3, imperial clansmen commissioners 3, clansmen from prefect to commissioner and sons-in-law 1 each, Hanlin Office 178, Imperial Kitchen 600, Ceremonial Escort 150, Attendant Storehouse 20, Inner Garment 7, New Garment 7, Inner Bow Storehouse 3, Music Office 3, Bell Tower 16, Imperial Pharmacy 8, Inner Materials 9, Statutory Wine 16, Inner Wine Workshop 8, Inner Attendant Service 5, Imperial City clerks 2, Censorate leaders 11, sweeping attendants 100, corridor watchers 42, supervisory clerks 3, fire patrols 10, fast attendants 11, flower distributors, Rear Garden artisans 4, Guest Reception 8, Four Directions 2, Gate Office staff 18. That eleventh month, because a prince was born, a banquet was held in the Hall of Collected Elegance.
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七年九月，詔：「自今大宴，親王、皇親使相、樞密使副使、宣徽使、駙馬都尉並於殿門外幕次就賜酒食。」 舊制，會食集英西廊之廡下，喧卑為甚，權發遣宣徽院吳充奏其事，故有是命。
In the seventh year, ninth month: grand-banquet princes, clansmen commissioners, Bureau commissioner and deputy, Palace Domestic Service commissioner, and sons-in-law were to receive wine and food at the tent outside the hall gate. Formerly they ate under the west colonnade of the Hall of Collected Elegance in great noise; Acting Commissioner Wu Chong reported this, hence the order.
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元豐七年三月，大宴集英殿，命皇子延安郡王侍立。 宰相王珪等率百官廷賀。 詔曰：「皇家慶事，與卿等同之。」 珪等再拜稱謝。 久之，王乃退。 時王未出閣，帝特令侍宴，以見群臣。 九年，閣門言：「大宴不用兩軍妓女，隻用教坊小兒之舞。」 王拱辰請以女童代之。 元祐八年，詔罷獨看。 故事，大宴前一日，御殿閱百戲，謂之獨看。 修國史范祖禹言：「是日進《神宗紀》草，陛下覽先帝史冊甫畢，即觀百戲，理似未安，故請罷之。」
the seventh year of Yuanfeng, third month: a grand banquet in the Hall of Collected Elegance; the Prince of Yan’an Commandery stood in attendance. Chief Counselor Wang Gui and others led the officials in court congratulations. Edict: “The imperial house celebrates, and shares it with you.” Gui and the others bowed again in thanks. After a time the prince withdrew. The prince had not yet left the palace; the emperor specially had him attend so the ministers could see him. Year 9: the Gate Office said grand banquets no longer used the two armies’ female performers, only Music Office boys’ dances. Wang Gongchen asked to substitute girl performers. Yuanyou 8: an edict canceled the solo preview. By precedent the day before a grand banquet the emperor reviewed entertainments in the hall—the solo preview. Historian Fan Zuyu said: “That day the Taizong annals draft was submitted; after reading your father’s annals to view entertainments seems improper—please cancel the preview.”
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元祐二年九月，經筵講《論語》徹章，賜宰臣、執政、經筵官宴於東宮，帝親書唐人詩分賜之。 三年六月，罷春宴。 八月，罷秋宴，以魏王出殯，翰林學士蘇軾不進教坊致語故也。 是後以時雨未足，集英殿試舉人，尚書省火，禁中祈禳，邠國公主未菆，皆罷宴。 凡大宴有故而罷，賜賜預宴官酒饌於閣門朝堂，升殿官雖假故不從遊宴，亦遣中使就第賜焉。 親王、中書、樞密、宣徽、三司使副、學士、步軍都虞候以上、三師、三公、東宮三師三公以下、曾任中書門下致仕者，亦同。
Yuanyou 2, ninth month: after a classics lecture on the Analects finished, counselors and lecturers were banqueted in the Eastern Palace and given Tang poems in the emperor’s hand. In the third year, sixth month: the spring banquet was canceled. Eighth month: the autumn banquet was canceled for the Prince of Wei’s funeral and because Su Shi did not submit the Music Office address. Thereafter insufficient rain, examinations in the Hall of Collected Elegance, Secretariat fire, forbidden-precinct prayers, and the Princess of Bin’s unburied state all canceled banquets. When a grand banquet was canceled, wine and food were sent to would-be guests at the Gate Office audience hall; even officials on leave who would have ascended received eunuch deliveries at home. The same applied to princes, Secretariat, Bureau, Palace Domestic Service, Three Departments deputies, academicians, guard commanders and above, Three Preceptors, Three Excellencies, Eastern Palace preceptors, and retired chief counselors.
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凡外國使預宴者，祥符中宴崇德殿，夏使於西廊南赴坐，交使以次歇空，進奉、押衙次交州，契丹舍利、從人則於東廊南赴坐。 四年，又升甘州、交州於朵殿，夏州押衙於東廊南頭歇空坐。 七年，龜茲進奉人使歇空坐於契丹舍利之下。 其後又令龜茲使副於西廊南赴坐，進奉、押衙重行於後，瓜州、沙州使、副亦於西廊之南赴坐，其餘大略以是為準。
Foreign guests at banquets: under Xiangfu in the Hall of Honored Virtue; Xia envoys south in the west wing; Jiaozhi in order; tribute commissioners after Jiaozhi; Khitan relics and attendants south in the east wing. Year 4: Ganzhou and Jiaozhi moved to the side hall; Xia commissioners took empty seats at the south end of the east wing. Year 7: Kucha envoys sat below Khitan relics. Later Kucha envoy and deputy sat south in the west wing with tribute commissioners behind; Guazhou and Shazhou envoys likewise—the rest followed this pattern.
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大觀三年，議禮局上集英殿春秋大宴儀：
Daguan 3: the Ritual Discussion Office submitted spring and autumn grand banquet protocol for the Hall of Collected Elegance:
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其日，預宴文武百僚詣殿庭，東西相向立。 皇帝出禦需雲殿，閣門、內侍、管軍等起居。 皇帝降坐，御集英殿，鳴鞭，殿中監已下通班起居。 殿中監、少監升殿，通喚閣門官升殿。 攝左右軍巡使靴笏起居訖，係鞋執杖侍立，餘非應奉官分出。 次鍾鼓樓節級就位，四拜起居。
That day attending officials lined in the courtyard facing east and west. The emperor emerged at the Hall of Clouds Needed; Gate Office, attendants, and army supervisors paid respects. He descended to the Hall of Collected Elegance; the whip sounded; from the hall supervisor down all paid respects. Hall supervisor and deputy ascended and summoned Gate officials up. Acting army patrol commissioners finished respects, tied shoes, held staffs and stood; non-attendants withdrew. Bell and Drum Tower section leaders took position and bowed four times.
16
次舍人通喚訖，分引群官橫行北向，東上閣門官讚大起居，班首出班俯伏，跪，致辭訖，俯伏，興，復位。 群官再拜舞蹈，又再拜，讚各就坐，再拜，舍人分引升殿，席前相向立，朵殿、兩廡官立於席後。 有遼使則舍人引大遼舍利西入大起居，讚各就坐，讚再拜，讚就坐，引升西廊。 次舍人傳事引從人分入，四拜起居，謝坐，並同舍利儀。 教坊使以下通班大起居，看盞人謝，升殿再拜。 內侍進禦茶床，殿侍酹酒訖，次讚天武門外祗候。 東上閣門官詣御坐，奏班首姓名以下進酒。
After summoning, officials lined north; the Eastern Upper Gate praised great audience; the rank lead prostrated, addressed, and returned. Officials bowed twice, danced, bowed again, took seats; drafters led them up to face each other before mats; side hall and wing officials stood behind. With a Liao envoy, the drafter led the Liao relic west for great audience, then to the west wing seats. Attendants entered separately, bowed four times, thanked for seats—same as the relic protocol. From the Music Office commissioner down came great audience; cup-viewers thanked and bowed twice on the hall. Attendants brought the imperial tea table; hall attendants poured libation; Tianwu Gate outer attendants were praised. The Eastern Upper Gate official reported the rank lead presenting wine.
17
舍人分引殿上臣僚橫行北向，讚再拜。 舍人引班首稍前，東上閣門官接引詣御坐，東北向，搢笏，殿中監奉盤盞授班首，少監啟盞，以酒注之。 班首奉詣御前進訖，少退，虛跪，興，以槃授殿中監，出笏，東上閣門官引退，舍人接引復位，讚再拜。 舍人引班首稍前，殿上臣僚席前相向立，東上閣門官接引詣御坐，東北向，搢笏，殿中監授槃，奉詣御前，西向立，樂作，皇帝飲訖。 舍人分引殿上臣僚橫行北向，東上閣門引班首接盞，退，虛跪，興，授盞殿中監，出笏，引退，舍人接引復位，讚再拜，讚各賜酒，群臣再拜，讚各就坐，群官皆立席後，復讚就坐。
Drafters led hall officials north; praised bow again. The rank lead advanced; Gate officials led him northeast, inserted tablet; hall supervisor presented tray; vice supervisor poured. The rank lead presented wine, knelt, rose, returned tray, withdrew; Gate officials led back; praised bow again. Again the rank lead advanced; officials faced each other; he presented at the imperial seat while music played until the emperor drank. Officials lined north; the rank lead received the goblet, withdrew, bowed, took seat; all were praised to seats behind their mats.
18
酒初行，群官搢笏受酒，先宰相，次百官，皆作樂。 皇帝再舉酒， 〈（並殿中監、少監進。）〉 群臣俱立席後，樂作，飲訖，讚各就坐。 復行群臣酒，飲訖。 皇帝三舉酒，皆如第一之儀。 尚食典奉御進食，太官設群臣食，樂作。 賜祗應臣僚酒食，讚謝拜訖，復位。 皇帝四舉酒， 〈（並典禦進酒。）〉 樂工致語，群官皆立席後，致語訖，讚百官再拜，就坐，樂作。 皇帝五舉酒，樂工奏樂，庭下舞隊致詞，樂作，舞隊出。
First wine round: officials inserted tablets and received wine—chief counselor first, then all—with music. The emperor raised wine a second time, (Hall supervisor and deputy both advanced.) Ministers stood behind mats; music played; when finished, praised to seats. Ministers’ wine was served again until finished. The third imperial round followed the first protocol. Imperial Food director advanced food; Grand Steward set ministers’ food; music played. Attendant officials received wine and food, thanked, bowed, and returned. The emperor raised wine a fourth time, (Imperial Kitchen attendants advanced wine.) Musicians addressed; officials stood behind mats; after the address all bowed, sat; music played. Fifth imperial round: musicians played; courtyard dancers addressed and withdrew.
19
東上閣門奏再坐時刻。 俟放隊訖，內侍舉禦茶床，皇帝降坐，鳴鞭，群臣退。 賜花，再坐。 前二刻，御史臺、東上閣門催班，群官戴花北向立，內侍進班齊牌，皇帝詣集英殿，百官謝花再拜，又再拜就坐。 內侍進禦茶床，皇帝舉酒，殿上奏樂，庭下作樂。 皇帝再舉酒，殿上奏樂，庭下舞隊前致語，樂作，出。 皇帝三舉酒、四舉酒皆如上儀。 若宣示盞，即隨所向，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，舍人引班首以下降階再拜舞蹈，又再拜訖，分班出。 閣門官側奏無公事，皇帝降坐，鳴鞭。
The Eastern Upper Gate reported time for second seating. After the troupe left, attendants raised the tea table; the emperor descended; ministers withdrew. Flowers were bestowed; second seating began. Two quarters earlier the Censorate and Gate urged ranks; officials wore flowers facing north; the emperor entered the Hall of Collected Elegance; all thanked for flowers with two bows and sat. Attendants brought the tea table; the emperor raised wine with hall and courtyard music. Second round: hall music; courtyard dancers addressed and withdrew. Third and fourth rounds followed the same protocol. If a proclaimed cup was issued, Gate officials bowed, announced it, and praised all to seat. If encouragement was proclaimed, they stood behind the mat, drank, and bowed again. Attendants raised the tea table; drafters led officials down to bow twice, dance, bow again, and exit by ranks. Gate officials reported no business; the emperor descended and the whip sounded.
20
集英殿飲福大宴儀。 初，大禮畢，皇帝逐頓飲福，餘酒封進入內。 宴日降出，酒既三行，泛賜預坐臣僚飲福酒各一盞，群臣飲訖，宣勸，各興，立席後，讚再拜謝訖，復坐飲，並如春秋大宴之儀。
Hall of Collected Elegance Drinking the Blessing grand banquet protocol. After great rites the emperor drank the blessing at each stage; leftover wine was sealed and sent within. On banquet day, after three rounds each seated minister received one goblet of blessing wine; after drinking, encouragement was proclaimed; all rose, bowed behind the mat, and sat again—as in spring and autumn grand banquets.
21
紹興十三年三月三日，詔宴殿陳設止用緋、黃二色，不用文繡，令有司遵守，更不製造。 五月，閣門修立集英殿大宴儀注。
Shaoxing 13, third month, day 3: banquet furnishings were limited to crimson and yellow without brocade patterns, and no new ones were to be made. Fifth month: the Gate Office revised grand banquet regulations for the Hall of Collected Elegance.
22
乾道八月十二月，詔今後前宰相到闕，如遇赴宴賜茶，其合會墩杌，非特旨，並依官品。 又行門、禁衛諸色祗應人，依紹興例，並賜絹花。 自是惟正旦、生辰、郊祀及金使見辭各有宴，然大宴視東京時則亦簡矣。
Qiandao 8–12: former chief counselors attending banquets or bestowed tea used cushions and stools by rank unless specially ordered. Gate, guard, and attendant personnel also received silk flowers per the Shaoxing precedent. Henceforth only New Year, birthday, suburban sacrifice, and Jin envoy farewells had banquets, and even grand banquets were simpler than at the Eastern Capital.
23
曲宴。 凡幸苑囿、池禦，觀稼、畋獵，所至設宴，惟從官預，謂之曲宴。 或宴大遼使、副於紫宸殿，則近臣及刺史、正郎、都虞候以上預。 暮春後苑賞花、釣魚，則三館、秘閣皆預。
Informal banquet. Whenever the emperor visited gardens, pools, viewed crops, or hunted, attending officials alone were feasted—an informal banquet. Entertaining Great Liao envoys in the Hall of Purple Felicity included close ministers and officials from prefect, director, and commandant upward. Late-spring flower viewing and fishing in the rear garden included the Three Institutes and Secret Repository.
24
太祖建隆元年七月，親征澤、潞，宴從臣於河陽行宮，又宴韓令坤已下於禮賢講武殿，賜襲衣、器幣、鞍馬，以賞澤、潞之功也。 四年四月，宴從臣於玉津園。 乾德三年七月六日，詔皇弟開封尹、宰相、樞密使、翰林學士、中書舍人泛舟後苑新池，張樂宴飲，極歡而罷。 是歲重陽，宴近臣於長春殿。
Jianlong 1, seventh month: campaigning against Ze and Lu, the emperor banqueted ministers at Heyang and again at the Hall of Honoring Worthies, rewarding the Ze-Lu campaign with robes, vessels, and horses. In the fourth year, fourth month: he banqueted ministers at the Jade Ford Garden. Qiande 3, seventh month, day 6: the imperial brother, chief counselor, Bureau commissioner, Hanlin scholars, and drafters boated on the new rear-garden pool with music until joyful exhaustion. That Double Yang he banqueted close ministers in the Hall of Everlasting Spring.
25
太宗太平興國九年三月十五日，詔宰相、近臣賞花於後苑，帝曰：「春氣暄和，萬物暢茂，四方無事。 朕以天下之樂為樂，宜令侍從詞臣各賦詩。」 帝習射於水心殿。 雍熙二年四月二日，詔輔臣、三司使、翰林、樞密直學士、尚書省四品兩省五品以上、三館學士宴於後苑，賞花、釣魚，張樂賜飲，命群臣賦詩習射。 賞花曲宴自此始。 三年十二月一日，大雨雪，帝喜，禦玉華殿，召宰臣及近臣謂曰：「春夏以來，未嘗飲酒，今得此嘉雪，思與卿等同醉。」 又出御製《雪詩》，令侍臣屬和。 後凡曲宴不盡載。
Taiping Xingguo 9, third month, day 15: close ministers were summoned to view rear-garden flowers; the emperor said: “Spring is mild, all things flourish, and the realm is at peace. I take the realm’s joy as my own; let each attending literary official compose a poem.” The emperor practiced archery at the Water Heart Hall. Yongxi 2, fourth month, day 2: ministers, Three Departments commissioner, Hanlin and Bureau scholars, high Secretariat and Chancellery officials, and Three Institutes scholars banqueted in the rear garden for flowers, fishing, poetry, and archery. Flower-viewing informal banquets began here. In the third year, twelfth month, day 1: heavy snow pleased the emperor; at the Jade Splendor Hall he told counselors: “Since spring I have not drunk; with this snow I wish to drink with you. He also wrote an imperial Snow Poem and ordered matching verses. Later informal banquets are not all recorded.
26
真宗咸平元年二月二十二日，宴群臣於崇德殿，不作樂。 二年八月七日，再宴，用樂。 三年二月晦，賞花，宴於後苑，帝作《中春賞花釣魚詩》，儒臣皆賦，遂射於水殿，盡歡而罷。 自是遂為定制。 四年十一月二十日，禦龍圖閣曲宴，詔近臣觀太宗草、行、飛白、篆、籀、八分書及畫。 景德二年十二月五日，宴尚書省五品、諸軍都指揮使以上、契丹使於崇德殿，不舉樂，以明德太后喪製故也。 時契丹初來賀承天節，擇膳夫五人齎本國異味，就尚食局造食，詔賜膳夫衣服、銀帶、器帛。 大中祥符六年七月二十九日，詔輔臣觀粟於後苑禦山子，觀御製文閣御書及《嘉禾圖》，賜飲。 是日，皇子從遊。 天禧四年七月十一日，詔近臣及寇準、馮拯觀內苑穀，遂宴於玉宸殿。 十月二十九日，詔皇太子、宗室、近臣、諸帥赴玉宸殿翠芳亭觀稻，賜宴，仍以稻分賜之。
Zhenzong, Xianping 1, second month, day 22: ministers were banqueted in the Hall of Honored Virtue without music. In the second year, eighth month, day 7: another banquet, with music. In the third year, second month, last day: flower viewing in the rear garden with an imperial poem; scholars composed; archery at the Water Hall ended the day. This became fixed practice. In the fourth year, eleventh month, day 20: informal banquet at the Dragon Diagram Hall; close ministers viewed Taizong’s calligraphy and paintings. Jingde 2, twelfth month, day 5: fifth-rank Secretariat officials, army commanders, and Khitan envoys were banqueted without music for Empress Mingde’s mourning. Khitan envoys had first come for Ascension Day; five cooks prepared their native dishes in the Imperial Kitchen and received clothes, belts, and silks. Dazhong Xiangfu 6, seventh month, day 29: ministers viewed grain at the rear-garden mountain pavilion, viewed imperial writings and the Fine Grain Picture, and were given drink. That day the prince joined the tour. Tianxi 4, seventh month, day 11: close ministers, Kou Zhun, and Feng Zhen viewed inner-garden grain and banqueted at the Jade Felicity Hall. Tenth month, day 29: the crown prince, clan, close ministers, and commanders viewed rice at the Emerald Fragrance Pavilion and received banquet and rice.
27
仁宗天聖二年，既禫除，百官五表請聽樂，而秋燕用樂之半。 詔輔臣曰：「昨日宴宮中，朕數四上勉皇太后聽樂。」 王欽若以聞太后，太后曰：「自先帝棄天下，吾終身不欲聽樂。 皇帝再三為請，其可重違乎！」 明年上元節，乃朝謁景靈上清宮、啟聖院、相國寺，還禦正陽門，宴從官，觀燈。 次日，太后召命婦臨觀。 及春秋大宴，歲為常。 夏，觀南禦莊刈麥，秋，瑞聖園刈穀，並宴從官，或射，不為常。 皇祐五年，後苑寶政殿刈麥，謂輔臣曰：「朕新作此殿，不欲植花，歲以種麥，庶知穡事不易也。」 自是幸觀穀、麥，惟就後苑，春夏賞花、釣魚則歲為之。 嘉祐七上十二月，特召兩府、近臣、三司副使、台諫官、皇子、宗室、駙馬都尉，管軍臣僚至龍圖、天章閣，觀三聖御書，及寶文閣為飛白分賜，下逮館閣官，製《觀書詩》，賜韓琦以下和進，遂宴群玉殿，傳詔學士王珪撰詩序，刊石於閣。 數日，再會天章閣，觀三朝瑞物，復宴群玉殿，酒行，上曰：「天下久無事，今日之樂，與卿等共之，宜盡醉，勿復辭。」 因召韓琦至禦榻前，別賜一大卮。 出禁中名花，金盤貯香藥，令各持歸，莫不沾醉，至暮而罷。
Renzong, Tiansheng 2: after mourning ended officials repeatedly asked for music; the autumn banquet used half music. He told ministers: “Yesterday at the inner banquet I repeatedly urged the empress dowager to hear music.” Wang Qinruo told the empress dowager, who said: “Since the late emperor’s death I have never wished to hear music. The emperor asked again and again—how can I refuse so firmly!” Next Upper Yuan he worshiped at Jingling, Qisheng, and Xiangguo, returned to the Proper Yang Gate, banqueted attendants, and viewed lanterns. The next day the empress dowager summoned titled women to view. Spring and autumn grand banquets became annual events. Summer wheat viewing at the Southern Imperial Estate and autumn harvest at the Auspicious Sage Garden included attendant banquets and sometimes archery, but not on a fixed schedule. Huangyou 5: harvesting wheat at Baozheng Hall, he told ministers: “I built this hall for wheat, not flowers, to remember how hard farming is.” Grain viewing stayed in the rear garden; spring and summer flowers and fishing were annual. Jiayou 7, twelfth month: two administrations, close ministers, censors, princes, clan, sons-in-law, and army leaders viewed imperial writings at Dragon Diagram and Heavenly Chapter; flying-white was distributed; a banquet at Gathered Jade followed with a stone preface by Wang Gui. Days later they met again at Heavenly Chapter to view auspicious objects and banqueted at Gathered Jade; the emperor said: “The realm has been at peace long—drink fully with me.” He summoned Han Qi to the couch and gave him a large goblet apart from the rest. Famous palace flowers and gold trays of fragrance were sent home with each guest; all were thoroughly drunk by dusk.
28
政和二年三月，上巳御筵，詔令移用他日，以國有故，宰臣請罷宴故也。 大觀三年，議禮局上垂拱殿曲宴儀：
Zhenghe 2, third month: the Upper Si feast was moved because of national mourning at counselors’ request. Daguan 3: the Ritual Discussion Office submitted informal banquet protocol for the Hall of Bowed Reverence:
29
皇帝視事畢，東上閣門進呈坐圖，舍人奏閣門無公事，皇帝降坐，鳴鞭，入殿後閣。
After affairs the Eastern Upper Gate presented the seating chart; with no Gate business the emperor entered the rear passage.
30
諸司排設備，東上閣門附內侍奏班齊，皇帝出閣升坐，鳴鞭。 三公、直學士以上、親王、使相至觀察使以上，分東西入，詣殿庭，橫行北向立定。 班首奏聖躬萬福，舍人讚各就坐，再拜訖，分引詣東西階升殿，席前相向立。 次教坊使以下常起居，次看盞人謝，升殿，次內侍進禦茶床，殿侍酹酒訖，閣門詣御坐，躬奏班首姓名以下進酒。 舍人分引殿上臣僚，橫行北向，讚再拜。 班首奉酒躬進，樂作，皇帝飲訖。 舍人讚各賜酒，群官俱再拜。 讚各就坐，群官皆立席後，復讚就坐。
Offices arranged equipment; attendants reported aligned ranks; the emperor ascended and the whip sounded. Three Excellencies, direct academicians, princes, and commissioners to observation rank entered east and west, lined north in the courtyard. The rank lead wished the emperor ten thousand blessings; drafters led all to seats facing each other before the mats. Music Office officials paid respects; cup-viewers thanked and ascended; tea was brought and libation poured; Gate officials reported wine presentation. Drafters led hall officials north; praised bow again. The rank lead presented wine; music played until the emperor drank. Drafters praised bestowed wine; all bowed again. All were praised to seat, stood behind mats, then praised to seat again.
31
酒初行，先宰相，次百官，皆作樂。 〈（後準此。）〉 尚食興，奉御進食，太官令設群官食。 酒五行，若宣示盞，即隨所向，閣門揖稱宣示盞，躬，讚就坐。 若宣勸，即立席後躬飲，讚再拜。 內侍舉禦茶床，舍人引班首以下降階橫行，北向再拜，分班出。 皇帝降坐。
First wine round: chief counselor, then all officials, with music. (Later follow this.) Imperial Food rose; director advanced food; Grand Steward set officials’ food. Five wine rounds; proclaimed cups were announced by Gate officials and all praised to seat. Encouragement meant standing behind the mat to drink and bow again. Attendants raised the tea table; drafters led officials down, bowed north, and exited by ranks. The emperor descended.
32
上巳、重陽賜宴儀：
Upper Si and Double Yang bestowed banquet protocol:
33
其日，預宴官以下並赴宴所就次，諸司排設備，預宴官以下詣庭中望闕位立。 次中使詣班首之左，稍前立，中使宣曰「有敕」，在位官皆再拜訖。 中使宣曰「賜卿等御筵」，在位官皆再拜，搢笏舞蹈，又再拜。 中使退，預宴官分東西升階就坐。
That day guests took places after offices arranged equipment and lined facing the imperial presence. A eunuch proclaimed “There is an edict”; all bowed. The eunuch proclaimed an imperial feast; all bowed, inserted tablets, danced, and bowed again. The eunuch withdrew; guests ascended east and west and sat.
34
酒行，樂作。 食訖、食畢，樂止。 酒五行，預宴官並興就次，賜花有差。 少頃，戴花畢，與宴官詣望闕位立，謝花，再拜訖，復升就坐。 酒行，樂作。 飲訖、食畢，樂止。 酒四行而退。
Wine was served with music. When food was finished, music stopped. After five rounds guests rose; flowers were bestowed by rank. After donning flowers they thanked toward the throne, bowed twice, and sat again. Wine was served again with music. When drinking and food ended, music stopped. Four more rounds and the banquet ended.
35
遊觀。 天子歲時遊豫，則上元幸集禧觀、相國寺，禦宣德門觀燈； 首夏幸金明池觀水嬉，瓊林苑宴射； 大祀禮成，則幸太一宮、集禧觀、相國寺恭謝，或詣諸寺觀焚香，或至近郊閱武、觀稼，其事蓋不一焉。
Outings. Seasonal imperial outings included Upper Yuan visits to Jixi and Xiangguo temples and lantern viewing at Xuande Gate; early summer brought the Golden Bright Pond for water games and the Jade Forest Garden for banquets and archery; after great sacrifices he thanked at Great Unity, Jixi, and Xiangguo, burned incense at temples, or reviewed troops and crops nearby—the occasions varied widely.
36
太祖建隆元年四月，幸玉津園。 是後凡十三臨幸。 九月，幸宜春苑。 是後觀習水戰者二十有八，幸大相國寺、封禪寺者各五，龍興寺及皇弟開封尹園各三，幸太清觀、建隆觀者再，崇夏寺、廣化寺、等覺寺者各一，觀水磑者八，閱炮車、觀水櫃、觀稼、幸飛龍院、幸開封府、幸都亭驛、幸禮賢院、幸茶庫染院、幸河倉、幸金鳳園，皆一再至焉。
Taizu, Jianlong 1, fourth month: Jade Ford Garden. He visited thirteen times thereafter. Ninth month: Spring Delight Garden. Later: twenty-eight naval drills; Great Xiangguo and Fengchan five each; Dragon Rise and the imperial brother’s garden three each; Great Pure and Jianlong twice; other temples once; water mills eight times; catapults, water tanks, harvest, Flying Dragon, Kaifeng, Capital Pavilion, Honoring Worthies, tea warehouse, river warehouse, Golden Phoenix—once or twice each.
37
太宗太平興國二年二月，幸新鑿池，賜役卒錢布有差，六月，幸飛龍院。 是後凡四幸。 三年四月，觀刈麥。 九年正月六日，幸景龍門外水磑，帝臨水而坐，召從臣觀之，因謂曰：「此水出於山源，清澄甘潔。 近河之地，水味皆甘，豈河潤所及乎？」 宋琪等曰：「亦猶人性善惡，染習致然。」 帝曰：「卿言是也。」 四月，幸金明池習水戰，帝御水殿，召近臣觀之，謂宰相曰：「水戰，南方之事也。 今其地已定，不復施用，時習之，示不忘戰耳。」 因幸講武台，閱諸軍都試，軍中之絕技者遞加賜賚。 遂登瓊林苑樓，陳百戲，擲金錢，令樂人爭之，極歡而罷。 五月二日，出南薰門觀稼，召從臣列坐田中，令民刈麥，咸賜以錢帛。 回幸玉津園觀漁，張樂、習射，既宴而歸。 明年五月，幸城南觀麥，賜田夫布帛有差。 雍熙四年四月，幸金明池觀水嬉，賜從官飲。 帝曰：「雨霽天涼，中外無事，宜勿惜醉。」 因登苑中樓，盡歡而罷。 淳化三年三月，幸金明池，命為競渡之戲，擲銀甌於波間，令人泅波取之。 因御船奏教坊樂，岸上都人縱觀者萬計。 帝顧視高年皓首者，就賜白金器皿。 九月，幸潛龍園，駐輦池東岸，臨水謂近臣曰：「朕不至此已十年，昔尹京日，無事常痛飲池上，今池邊之木已成林矣。」 因顧教坊使郭守忠等數人曰：「汝等前日以樂童從我，今亦皓首，光陰迅速如此。」 嗟歎久之。 帝親引滿舉白，群臣盡醉。
Taizong, Taiping Xingguo 2, second month: new pool with rewards to laborers; sixth month: Flying Dragon Courtyard. Four visits followed. In the third year, fourth month: wheat harvest viewing. In the ninth year, first month, day 6: water mill outside Bright Dragon Gate; the emperor said the stream was mountain-fed, clear and sweet. Near the river all water tastes sweet—does the river’s moisture reach that far?” Song Qi said: “Like human nature—habit shapes good and evil.” The emperor agreed. Fourth month: Golden Bright Pond naval drill; at the Water Hall he told the counselor naval warfare was southern. The realm was settled, yet practice showed he had not forgotten war.” He then reviewed army examinations at the Martial Lecture Terrace and rewarded exceptional skills. At the Jade Forest tower he staged entertainments, threw gold coins for musicians, and ended in joy. Fifth month, day 2: he viewed harvest outside the Southern Fragrant Gate, sat officials among reapers, and rewarded farmers. Returning through Jade Ford Garden he fished, shot, banqueted, and went home. Next year, fifth month: south-city wheat viewing with cloth for laborers. Yongxi 4, fourth month: Golden Bright Pond water games with drink for attendants. He said: “The rain has cleared, all is calm—do not spare drunkenness.” He ascended a garden tower and ended in full joy. Chunhua 3, third month: competitive crossing at Golden Bright Pond with a silver bowl thrown for swimmers. He boated while the Music Office played before tens of thousands on shore. He bestowed platinum vessels to white-haired elders he noticed. Ninth month: Hidden Dragon Garden; he said he had not come in ten years and the pondside trees were now a forest. He told Guo Shouzhong and others they had once been his music boys and were now white-haired. He sighed at length. He filled the white goblet himself; all ministers were drunk.
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真宗咸平元年八月，幸諸王宮。 二年九月，幸開寶寺、福聖院。 是後，二寺臨幸者凡十有四。 三年五月，幸金明池觀水戲，揚旗鳴鼓，分左右翼，植木係彩，以為標識，方舟疾進，先至者賜之。 移幸瓊林苑，登露台，鈞容直奏樂，台下百戲競集，從臣皆醉。 自是凡四臨幸。 九月，幸大相國寺。 是後再幸者九。 幸上清宮者十有二，幸玉津園者十，幸太一宮、玉清昭應宮各六，餘不盡載。 大中祥符八年正月十九日，中書門下上言：「伏睹今月十四日，皇帝詣諸宮寺焚香，總三十餘處，過百拜以上。 臣等侍從，倍增憂灼，昨崇政殿已麵奏陳。 臣聞尊事萬靈，固先精意； 登用百禮，乃貴時中。 在經久之從宜，必裁正而惟允。 伏望特命攸司，載詳定式。 自今車駕幸諸宮、觀、寺、院，正殿再拜； 及諸殿，令群臣以下分拜。 庶垂億載，允葉通規。」 乃詔禮儀院詳定差減焉。
Zhenzong, Xianping 1, eighth month: princes’ palaces. In the second year, ninth month: Kaibao Temple and Fusheng Courtyard. Fourteen visits to those two temples followed. In the third year, fifth month: Golden Bright Pond naval games with wing divisions, markers, and rewards to winners. He moved to Jade Forest Garden, ascended the terrace to music and entertainments; attendants were drunk. Four such visits followed. Ninth month: Great Xiangguo Temple. Nine more visits followed. Upper Pure Palace twelve times; Jade Ford ten; Great Unity and Jade Clarity Responding Palace six each; others not fully recorded. Dazhong Xiangfu 8, first month, day 19: Secretariat reported the emperor had burned incense at more than thirty temples on the fourteenth, bowing over a hundred times. Attending ministers were deeply anxious and had already memorialized at Chongzheng Hall. Honoring the spirits requires concentrated mind; employing the hundred rites requires proper timing. Long-standing expedients must be corrected to proper form. I humbly ask the relevant office to fix the pattern in detail. Henceforth at palace and temple visits: two bows in the main hall; at subsidiary halls ministers and below bow separately. May this endure for ages as universal rule. An edict ordered the Ritual Institute to revise and reduce the bows.
39
仁宗景祐三年，詔閣門詳定車駕幸宮、觀、寺、院支賜茶絹等第。
Renzong, Jingyou 3: the Gate Office fixed grades of tea and silk bestowed on palace and temple visits.
40
哲宗紹聖四年三月八日，詔自今遇車駕出新城，令殿前馬、步軍司取旨，權差馬、步軍赴新城外四面巡檢下祗應，每壁馬軍二百人，步軍三百人，並於城外巡警。
Zhezong, Shaosheng 4, third month, day 8: when the emperor went to the new city, horse and foot guards patrolled outside—200 horse and 300 foot per wall.
41
三元觀燈，本起於方外之說。 自唐以後，常於正月望夜，開坊市門然燈。 宋因之，上元前後各一日，城中張燈，大內正門結彩為山樓影燈，起露台，教坊陳百戲。 天子先幸寺觀行香，遂禦樓，或禦東華門及東西角樓，飲從臣。 四夷蕃客各依本國歌舞列於樓下。 東華、左右掖門、東西角樓、城門大道、大宮觀寺院，悉起山棚，張樂陳燈，皇城雉堞亦遍設之。 其夕，開舊城門達旦，縱士民觀。 後增至十七、十八夜。
Triple Origin lantern viewing began as a non-Buddhist custom. After the Tang, the first-month full moon regularly opened markets for lanterns. Song followed: around Upper Yuan the city was lit; the inner gate had a mountain lantern and terrace; the Music Office staged entertainments. The emperor first burned incense at temples, then viewed lanterns from a tower or the Eastern Flowery Gate and corner towers, drinking with attendants. Foreign guests performed their native songs and dances below the tower. Eastern Flowery Gate, side gates, corner towers, avenues, and temples all had lantern sheds and music; even the city walls were lit. That night old city gates stayed open until dawn for commoners to view. Later the festival grew to seventeen or eighteen nights.
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太祖建隆二年上元節，禦明德門樓觀燈，召宰相、樞密、宣徽、三司使、端明、翰林、樞密直學士、兩省五品以上官、見任前任節度觀察使飲宴，江南、吳越朝貢使預焉。 四夷蕃客列坐樓下，賜酒食勞之，夜分而罷。 三年正月十三夜然燈，罷內前排場戲樂，以昭憲皇太后喪製故也。
Taizu, Jianlong 2, Upper Yuan: he viewed lanterns from Bright Virtue Gate tower and feasted counselors, scholars, commissioners, and Jiangnan and Wuyue envoys. Foreign guests sat below the tower, were given food and drink, and the night ended at midnight. In the third year, first month, night 13: lanterns were lit but inner entertainments canceled for Empress Zhaoxian’s mourning.
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太平興國二年七月中元節，禦東角樓觀燈，賜從官宴飲。 五年十月下元節，依中元例，張燈三夜。 雍熙五年上元節，不觀燈，躬耕籍田故也。 後凡遇用兵及災變、諸臣之喪，皆罷。
Taiping Xingguo 2, seventh month, Zhongyuan: Eastern Corner Tower lantern viewing with drink for attendants. In the fifth year, tenth month, Xiayuan: three nights of lanterns like Zhongyuan. Yongxi 5, Upper Yuan: no lanterns because of sacred-field plowing. Later war, disasters, or ministers’ mourning canceled the festival.
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政和三年正月，詔放燈五日。 五年十二月二十九日，詔景龍門預為元夕之具，實欲觀民風、察時態、黼飾太平、增光樂國，非徒以遊豫為事。 特賜公、師、宰執以下宴，及御製詩四韻賜太師蔡京。 六年正月七日，御筆：「今歲閏餘候晚，猶未春和。 晷短氣寒，於宴集無舒緩之樂。 景靈宮朝獻，移十四日東宮、十五日西宮，畢，詣上清儲祥宮燒香。 十六日詣醴泉觀等處燒香。 上元節移於閏正月十四日為始。」 宣和六年十二月二十四日，賜太師蔡京以下應兩府赴睿謨殿宴，景龍門觀燈。 續有旨，宣太傅王黼赴宴。 七年正月十八日，宴輔臣，觀燈。
Zhenghe 3, first month: lanterns for five days. In the fifth year, twelfth month, day 29: Bright Dragon Gate preparations were said to observe customs and adorn peace, not mere pleasure. He banqueted dukes and counselors and gave a four-rhyme poem to Grand Preceptor Cai Jing. In the sixth year, first month, day 7: imperial note: the intercalary year delays spring. Short days and cold air make banquets less joyful. Jingling audiences moved to the 14th and 15th; then incense at Upper Pure Stored Auspice Palace. On the 16th incense at Sweet Spring Abbey and elsewhere. Upper Yuan began on intercalary first month, day 14. Xuanhe 6, twelfth month, day 24: Cai Jing and the two administrations banqueted at Bright Exposition Hall, then Bright Dragon lanterns. Grand Tutor Wang Fu was also summoned. In the seventh year, first month, day 18: ministers banqueted and lanterns viewed.
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賜酺。 自秦始。 秦法，三人以上會飲則罰金，故因事賜酺，吏民會飲，過則禁之。 唐嘗一再舉行。
Bestowed communal feast. It began in the Qin. Qin law fined gatherings of three or more drinkers, so the throne bestowed communal feasts while forbidding unsanctioned drinking. The Tang held it only occasionally.
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太宗雍熙元年十二月，詔曰：「王者賜酺推思，與眾共樂，所以表升平之盛事，契億兆之歡心。 累朝以來，此事久廢，蓋逢多故，莫舉舊章。 今四海混同，萬民康泰，嚴禋始畢，慶澤均行。 宜令士庶之情，共慶休明之運，可賜酺三日。」 二十一日，禦丹鳳樓觀酺，召侍臣賜飲。 自樓前至朱雀門張樂，作山車、旱船，往來禦道。 又集開封府諸縣及諸軍樂人列於禦街，音樂雜發，觀者溢道，縱士庶遊觀，遷市肆百貨於道之左右。 召畿甸耆老列坐樓下，賜之酒食。 明日，賜群臣宴於尚書省，仍作詩以賜。 明日，又宴群臣，獻歌、詩、賦、頌者數十人。
Taizong, Yongxi 1, twelfth month: an edict said communal feasts extend grace and display rising peace to join all hearts. Successive reigns had abandoned it amid troubles. Now the realm was united, the people secure, and sacrifice complete—celebration could be shared. Commoners and officials alike should celebrate—communal drinking was bestowed for three days.” Day 21: Cinnabar Phoenix Tower communal feast viewing with drink for attendants. Music ran from the tower to Vermilion Bird Gate with mountain carts and land boats on the imperial road. Kaifeng and army musicians lined the street; crowds filled the road and shops moved aside. Capital elders sat below the tower and received food and drink. Next day ministers banqueted at the Secretariat and received an imperial poem. The following day another ministerial banquet brought dozens of poems and songs.
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真宗景德三年九月，詔許群臣、士庶選勝宴樂，御史臺、皇城司毋得糾察。 四年二月甲申，上御五鳳樓觀酺，宗室、近臣侍坐。 樓前露台奏教坊樂，召父老五百人列坐，賜飲於樓下。 後二日，上復禦樓，賜宗室、文武百官宴於都亭驛，賜諸班、諸軍將校羊酒。 大中祥符元年正月，詔應致仕官並令赴都亭驛酺宴，禦樓日合預坐者亦聽。 又詔朝臣已辭、未見，並聽赴會。 凡酺，命內諸司使三人主其事，於乾元樓前露台上設教坊樂。 又駢係方車四十乘，上起彩樓者二，分載鈞容直、開封府樂。 復為棚車二十四，每十二乘為之，皆駕以牛，被之錦繡，縈以彩紖，分載諸軍、京畿伎樂，又於中衢編木為欄處之。 徙坊市邸肆對列御道，百貨駢布，競以彩幄鏤版為飾。 上御乾元門，召京邑父老分番列坐樓下，傳旨問安否，賜以衣服、茶帛。 若五日，則第一日近臣侍坐，特召丞、郎、給、諫，上舉觴，教坊樂作，二大車自升平橋而北，又有旱船四挾之以進，朋車由東西街交騖，並往復日再焉。 東距望春門，西連閶闔門，百戲競作，歌吹騰沸。 宗室親王、近列牧伯洎舊臣、宗室官，為設彩棚於左右廊廡。 士庶縱觀，車騎填溢，歡呼震動。 第二日宴群臣百官於都亭驛、宗室於親王宮。 第三日宴宗室內職於都亭驛、近臣於宰相第。 第四日宴百官於都亭驛、宗室於外苑。 第五日復宴宗室內職於都亭驛、近臣於外苑。 上多作詩，賜令屬和，及別為勸酒詩。 禁軍將校日會於殿前馬、步軍之廨。
Zhenzong, Jingde 3, ninth month: officials and commoners could feast freely without censor investigation. In the fourth year, second month, jiashen: Five Phoenix Tower communal feast with clan and close ministers. Music played on the terrace; five hundred elders drank below the tower. Two days later clan and officials banqueted at Capital Pavilion and commanders received lamb and wine. Dazhong Xiangfu 1, first month: retired officials could attend Capital Pavilion communal feasts. Resigned officials not yet received at court could also attend. Three inner commissioners managed communal feasts with Music Office on the Qianyuan Tower terrace. Forty square carts included two colored towers for the Imperial Band and Kaifeng musicians. Twenty-four brocade-covered ox carts carried army and capital entertainers in fenced ranks along the avenue. Shops lined the imperial road under colored tents and carved panels. At Qianyuan Gate elders sat below the tower, were greeted by edict, and received clothes, tea, and silk. On five-day feasts day one seated close ministers and directors; great carts and land boats paraded from Shengping Bridge twice daily. From Spring View Gate to Peaceful Gate entertainments and music surged. Princes, frontier governors, and clan officials had colored sheds in the corridors. Crowds filled the streets and shouts shook the ground. Day two: officials at Capital Pavilion, clan at princes’ palace. Day three: inner clan at Capital Pavilion, close ministers at the counselor’s house. Day four: officials at Capital Pavilion, clan in the outer garden. Day five: inner clan at Capital Pavilion, close ministers in the outer garden. The emperor often composed poems for matching and separate urging-wine verses. Guard commanders met daily at the horse and foot army halls.
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是歲，東封泰山，所過州府，上御子城門樓，設山車、彩船載樂，從臣侍坐，本州父老、進奉使、蕃客悉預。 兗州駐蹕，仍賜群臣會於延壽寺。 所在改賜門名，兗州曰「回鑾覃慶」，鄆州曰「升中延福」，濮州曰「告成延慶」。 澶州以行宮迫隘，當衢結彩為殿，名曰「延禧」。 幸汾陰、亳州，皆如東封路。 河中府門名曰「詔畢宣恩」，陝州曰「霈澤惠民」，鄭州曰「回鑾慶賜」。 西京將議改五鳳樓名，上曰：「此太祖所建，因瑞應，不可更也。」 華陰就行宮宴父老，賜驛亭名曰「宣澤」。 至鄭州，以太宗忌日甫過，罷會，賜與如例。 亳州曰「奉元均慶」，南京曰「重熙頒慶」。
That year’s eastern Feng and Shan: at each prefecture the emperor viewed from the inner gate tower with music carts; elders, tribute envoys, and tribal guests attended. At Yanzhou he banqueted ministers at Longevity Temple. Gates were renamed: Yanzhou Return Carriage Celebration, Yunzhou Ascending Middle Blessing, Puzhou Reporting Completion Celebration. At Danzhou a cramped traveling palace became a colored “Extending Celebration” hall across the avenue. Fenyin and Bozhou followed the eastern Feng and Shan route. Hezhong’s gate was Edict Completed Grace; Shaanzhou Great Favor for the People; Zhengzhou Return Carriage Bestowal. Changing the Western Capital’s Five Phoenix Tower was refused: Taizu built it for an omen and the name could not change. At Huayin he feasted elders and named the post pavilion Proclaiming Moisture. At Zhengzhou the gathering was canceled for Taizong’s death-day but gifts followed precedent. Bozhou received Receiving Origin Equal Celebration; Nanjing Repeated Radiance Issuing Celebration.
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天禧五年，以畿縣追集、老人疲勞之故，止召兩赤縣、坊縣父老預會，其不預名亦聽，給以賜物。 天下賜酺，各令州、府會官屬父老，邊州或遣中使就賜。 又詔開封府：「賜酺日，罪人酗酒而不傷人者，咸釋之。 再犯，論如法。」 後賜酺皆準此。 宋之繁庶，於斯為盛，後遂為定制雲。
Tianxi 5: to spare elders, only two red counties and ward counties were summoned, though others could still receive gifts. Empire-wide communal feasts ordered each prefecture to gather officials and elders; frontiers might send eunuchs. Kaifeng was told: on communal feast days non-violent drunkards were released. Repeat offenders were punished by law.” Later communal feasts followed this rule. Song prosperity was then at its height, and this became fixed custom.