This study examined Hwangu rite which is the center of establishing the nation's legitimacy of Joseon Dynasty, and identify the music, the songs, the dance, and the vestments included in the procedures of the rite. Furthermore, the distinct significan...
This study examined Hwangu rite which is the center of establishing the nation's legitimacy of Joseon Dynasty, and identify the music, the songs, the dance, and the vestments included in the procedures of the rite. Furthermore, the distinct significance of our rites for the heavens and the earth was identified, and the succession of the tradition was pursued.
Hwangu rite of Korean Empire which was held when King Gojong ascended to Emperor was different in many respects from one held during the Joseon Dynasty. There was no reason to be constrained by the principle that "only an emperor can hold a rite for the worship of the heavenly gods" so the rite was able to be held with the status of the emperor.
There was no great difference in the procedures of the rites between under King Sejo and Emperor Gojong. It is only that there were both Mangryo, which is a procedure of burning the paper in which rite prayer was written, and Mangye, which is a procedure of burying it under King Sejo while there was only Mangryo from Korean Empire. However, great differences were shown in the formation and contents of music and dance, the changes of names, and the heads of Ilmu, which is a dance where people stands in line. Also, both Hyangac, Korean music, and Aak, Chinese court music, were used under King Sejo, but only Aak under Emperor Gojong. In addition, Ilmu was carried out in Choheon, Aheon, and Jongheon, where sacrificial drinks were dedicated, in Korean Empire but it also was in Yeongsin, a procedure of welcoming gods, and Jeonpye, a procedure of paying respects, under King Sejo.
The revival of Hwangu rite showed the process of establishing a new modern state in Joseon as well as its extension of Confucian Sinocentrism. However, it was not just the restoration of the ceremony. It was a ritual symbol to declare that Korean empire was an independent nation, as Emperor Gojong submitted to the heaven's will and became an emperor. With Hwangu rite as the starting point, the rites were renewed according to the status of the emperor. As a result, the traditional 『Gukjooryeui』 became ineffective and books of the new emperor's ceremonial procedures, 『Daehanyejeon』, were written.
Today's the revival of Hwangu rite does not mean a mere return to Confucianism or nationalism through nationalistic spirit. It means restoring the heaven and the fundamental values in it which had been in existence for thousands of years but have been lost for the past a hundred years. The root should be rooted and grounded to keep our own identity.