Confucius memorial ceremony is solemnly held in the Confucian Temple (Shrine) by the Chinese nation for commemoration of Confucius, the great sage and teacher.
Known as "National Ceremony" in ancient times, Confucius memorial ceremony can be traced back to 478 BC. In the second year after Confucius passed away, Duke Ai of Lu converted the Confucius's former residence into a mourning hall where sacrifice was offered. The residence hence became the first Confucian Temple in the world. Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty, is the first emperor who offered official sacrifice to Confucius. Such activities were attached with greater priority afterwards and the ceremony became increasingly solemn and underwent its prime time in the Qing Dynasty. It is recorded that Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty ever went to Qufu (Confucius birthplace) to offer sacrifice to Confucius for eight times.
Confucius memorial ceremony is held in the form of music, singing, dancing and rite, with the latest one as the core. Confucian ideology and culture are embodied in the ceremony by means of music and dance. The most important order for the ceremony is three consecrations: presenting yellow silk first, then incense and alcohol. The officiant must tidy his clothes and hat and wash his hands before getting close to Confucius incense burner table and offering incense. Despite that music, dance and costumes prepared for the ceremony have been changed greatly over these years, primitive and solemn atmosphere of the ceremony has been retained.
Recent years have witnessed Confucius memorial activities being carried out annually by Chinese in Taiwan, Hong Kong and the rest of the world. Large-scale music and dancing activities are held annually in ancestral temples during the period from September 26 to October 10 in Confucius's hometown — Qufu, Shangdong Province. In this way, the Chinese at home and abroad can perceive the primitive, solemn and dignified occasion on Chinese culture.
