"National Mourning" in Dream of the Red Chamber: Mourning Honor and Taboos under Feudal Rituals

Brief Introduction

"National Mourning" was a special funeral ritual system in ancient Chinese feudal society. It refers to the mourning period ordered by the imperial court for the entire nation or specific noble classes when the Emperor, Empress Dowager, or core members of the royal family pass away. In the classic masterpiece Dream of the Red Chamber, "National Mourning" is not only a true reflection of the historical background but also a crucial clue that drives the plot forward, revealing the Jia family's political status and the constraints of ritual teachings.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Definition and Scope:
"National Mourning" literally means "National Filial Piety." In ancient times, once a direct relative of the royal family passed away, the court would issue an edict specifying the mourning period for the whole country (such as 27 months, etc.). During this period, officials were required to resign from their posts to observe mourning rites, and commoners had to cease all entertainment activities.

2. Taboos and Norms:
During the National Mourning period, weddings, banquets, musical performances, and all celebratory activities were strictly prohibited. Violators were considered "disloyal and unfilial" and would face severe legal penalties or social condemnation. This reflects the principle under the "unity of state and family" that private emotions must submit to political ethics.

3. Difference from "Family Mourning":
"Family Mourning" refers to the mourning period for the death of elders within a family. The book often mentions "National Mourning" and "Family Mourning" together, implying that the Jia family was under a double mourning period, where the binding force of ritual systems reached its peak.

Connection to Dream of the Red Chamber

In Chapter 5 of Dream of the Red Chamber, the term "National Mourning" is explicitly mentioned for the first time by Grandmother Jia. At that time, the Jia household was at its peak of prosperity, yet Grandmother Jia emphasized: "Now that there is National and Family Mourning, banquets are strictly forbidden, how can we have opera performances?"

* Demonstrating Family Status:
The fact that the Jia family needed to strictly observe "National Mourning" indicates their close relationship with the royal family, placing them within the core noble class. This "mourning honor" was both a glory and a shackle, constantly reminding the Jia family of their status as vassals of imperial power.

* Conflict between Rituals and Reality:
Although Grandmother Jia verbally emphasized the prohibition of banquets, undercurrents continued to surge within the Jia household. This strict adherence to ritual systems contrasts sharply with the subsequent extreme luxury of Qin Keqing's funeral and the extravagance of Yuan Chun's visit home. This contrast hints at the hypocrisy of the Jia family under ritual constraints, as well as the inevitability of their eventual decline—when a family's strength can no longer support its political obligations, crisis follows.

* Plot Foreshadowing:
The mention of "National Mourning" lays the groundwork for subsequent descriptions of funerals and political storms in the book. It constructs a high-pressure ethical environment, making the rebellious behaviors of characters like Jia Baoyu within it appear even more precious and difficult.

Conclusion

"National Mourning" in Dream of the Red Chamber is not just a popularization of historical knowledge, but also Cao Xueqin's brushstroke in depicting the political ecology of feudal society. It reveals the survival state of the Jia family under the shadow of imperial power: on one hand enjoying the glory of bestowed favors, and on the other bearing the suffocation of ritual teachings. Understanding this concept helps readers gain deeper insight into the tragic roots of the characters' destinies in the book.