The Role of Confucian Officials in the Ritual Transformations of the Jurchen Jin State during the Reign of Xi-zong

Abstract

During the reign of Xi-zong (1135–1149), the third ruler of Jin, the socio-political structure of the young Jurchen State as well as their customs and beliefs underwent many changes. The adoption of new political and religious components transformed the foundations of Jurchen ethno-cultural identification. At that time, Chinese court etiquette and new Confucian rituals were introduced to Jurchen culture. All these new Confucian rules were a form of new relationships and patterns of behaviour and actions. These innovations were needed to form and strengthen imperial power in Jin. This was the reason why the Jurchen autochthonous culture was adapted to the norms of other ethnic cultures. The reign of Xi-zong, for example, is marked by the formation of state cults of ancestor worship and worship of Confucius. A special role in those innovations and changes was played by non-Jurchen advisers, they were the transmitters of Confucian ideas. Non-Jurchen officials have served in Jin since the formation of the Jurchen State, when the Jurchens took over the territories of the Liao State and the Celestial Empire. By the time of, and during Xi-zong`s reign, non-Jurchen officials did a lot for building a new ceremonial system, to strengthen the imperial power, which is why in the last years of Xi-zong's reign, there was the struggle of the Jurchen nobility against the activities of Confucian officials and the new Chinese ceremonial system they built.