Confucius said, “Using hemp to make ceremonial caps was in accordance with ancient ritual; nowadays people use silk instead, out of frugality. In this case, I follow the majority. Bowing below the hall was in accordance with ancient ritual; now people bow from atop the hall, which shows arrogance. Even if it means going against the crowd, I still bow below.”
Note
This passage from the Analects reflects Confucius’s discerning attitude toward changes in ritual practice. He does not rigidly cling to tradition but evaluates modifications based on whether they preserve the moral spirit of ritual. If a change promotes virtue – such as frugality (using silk instead of hemp) – without undermining reverence, he accepts it and follows common practice. However, if a change stems from pride or erodes essential values like humility and respect – as in bowing from the upper hall – he resolutely adheres to the original form, even if it means standing alone. This shows that for Confucius, what matters is not the external form of ritual, but the ethical sentiments it embodies: reverence, modesty, and sincerity. True observance of ritual lies in upholding its moral essence, not in mechanical conformity to outward forms.
Further Reading
Youzi said, “In the practice of ritual, harmony is most valuable. … But seeking harmony for its own sake without regulating it through ritual is also unworkable.” Analects 1.12 (Xue Er)
Balances adaptability with principle – like Confucius, who adapts when ethics allow (silk caps) but holds firm when core values are at stake (bowing below).
Lin Fang asked about the root of ritual. The Master said, “What a great question! In ritual, frugality is better than extravagance; in mourning, genuine sorrow is better than polished ease.” Analects 3.4 (Ba Yi)
Both passages prioritize inner moral attitude (frugality, genuine grief) over external splendor, showing that the essence of ritual lies in sincerity, not formality.
The Master said, “If those in high positions are not magnanimous, perform rituals without reverence, or attend funerals without grief – how can I bear to look at them?” Analects 3.26 (Ba Yi)
Emphasizes that ritual without authentic feeling (e.g., reverence, humility) is hollow – just as “bowing above” lacks the humility required by true li (ritual propriety).
子曰：「麻冕，禮也；今也純，儉。吾從眾。拜下，禮也；今拜乎上，泰也。雖違眾，吾從下。」
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