Nine decorations
The nine decorations (九錫) were rewards that the Chinese emperors gave to particularly outstanding officials as a reward for their deeds.
The character 錫 ( pronounced Xi in Mandarin ) is used instead of the expected 賜 ( Ci ) because the characters were interchangeable at the time this custom was established in the Book of Rites . It is therefore unclear whether the modern Mandarin ist should be pronounced as jiǔxí or as jiǔcì .
The nine decorations were probably introduced in the Zhou Dynasty , but there is no record of their awarding before the time of Wang Mang . From then on, the nine decorations became a symbol of the total power of an official over the emperor and his ambition to usurp the throne . In further Chinese history it seldom happened that a usurpation was carried out without the previous award of the nine decorations. Similarly, there was hardly a case in which the awarding of the nine decorations did not result in usurpation. However, for example, Cao Pi , the first emperor of the Wei dynasty , bestowed the nine decorations in 221 on the warlord Sun Quan , who then became a vassal of the Wei for a short time.
The nine decorations
gift | occasion | purpose |
---|---|---|
1. a carriage and horses | The officer shows himself to be measured and behaved properly. | He no longer has to walk. |
2. Clothing | The officer writes well and appropriately. | His actions become visible. |
3. written music | The official has love in his heart. | The official can teach music to his people. |
4. a red door | The official keeps his household well. | Difference from other houses. |
5. a ramp | The officer acts according to plan. | He can climb the ramp and keep his strength. |
6. armed guards | The officer is brave and dares to speak the truth. | He is protected. |
7. Weapons, bows and arrows | The official is always on the point and follows justice. | He can represent the central government and stamp out any treason. |
8. an ax | The official is strong, wise and loyal to the imperial family. | He can execute the devious. |
9. Wine | The official is childlike. | He can offer sacrifices to his ancestors. |