Principles in the Arrangement of Ritual Vessels and Food for the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite

Research on the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite reveals that the arrangement of ritual vessels and food follows a complex system rooted in ancient traditions, Confucian principles, and cosmological symbolism. The study identifies a hierarchical structure where raw foods (symbolizing ancient customs) are prioritized over cooked ones, with clear distinctions based on directionality—raw meats and foods placed to the east (associated with spring and yang energy), while cooked dishes align with west (autumn and yin). Vessels like 俎豆 (zu dou) and ?豆 (dou) are arranged by parity: even numbers for yin (raw offerings) and odd for yang (cooked), reflecting yin-yang duality. The rite’s peak, the 作獻 (zakhyeon) ceremony, symbolizes ancestral communication through ritual alcohol pouring, using a round vessel (작) with two pillars and three legs to embody cosmic harmony (heaven-earth, yin-yang, Five Phases). This study deciphers how Joseon-era rituals codified in texts like 『每事問』 (1796) embed Confucian values—filial piety (仁)—into spatial and material practices, illustrating a living tradition that balances cosmic order with social hierarchy.

Lee, G. (2013). Principles in the Arrangement of Ritual Vessels and Food for the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite. Journal of Korean Association of Art History Education, (27). https://doi.org/10.14769/jkaahe.2013.08.27.409