The Ritual of Transition: “When the Ruler Dies, All Officers Follow the Prime Minister for Three Years”

By / / government, mourning, prime minister, ritual, The Analects, transition of power, Xian Wen XIV, Xian Wen XIV Chapter 40
Confucius explained the ancient rule: During the three-year mourning period for a ruler, all officials reported to the prime minister.

When the sovereign died, the officers all attended to their several duties, taking instructions from the prime minister for three years.

君薨，百官总己以听于冢宰，三年。

Source: The Analects, Xian Wen XIV, Chapter 40

Author: Confucius

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top