Ritual Code for Confucius Temple Sacrifices

Timeline

1. 478–1368Qufu · ShandongFrom the Han dynasty onward, shidian rites were held at Qufu and Confucius temples elsewhere; the ritual code gradually matured under the Tang and Song, and was fixed during the Yanyou era of the Yuan, forming a state sacrificial paradigm centered on sacrificial animals, prayer texts, yi dances, and enshrined sages.
2. 1369–1381Nanjing · JiangsuIn the second year of Hongwu, the Hongwu Emperor decreed the system for sacrificing to Confucius at academies nationwide, specifying offerings, music and dance, and the ranks of participating officials; during the Hongwu era the Qufu Confucius Temple was repaired, Confucius's descendants were granted the title Yansheng Duke, and a centrally directed framework for the Confucius sacrifice was established.
3. 1382–1390Confucius temples in prefectures and counties nationwide · ChinaIn the 1380s, Confucius temples at academies across the country held shidian rites in mid-spring and mid-autumn according to the established code, with local officials presiding, music students performing yi dances, and offerings and prayer texts following the Hongwu-era liturgy; the Qufu Confucius Temple served as the principal temple, with the Yansheng Duke presiding over or attending major sacrifices, linking ritual education with the imperial examination path to office.