Since ancient times, jade has held a transcendent position in Chinese culture. It is not merely a precious mineral but also a symbol of a gentleman's character and a carrier of etiquette norms. As an ancient jade collector, whenever I caress a piece of ancient jade that has weathered the vicissitudes of time, I feel as if I can travel through time and touch the meticulousness and wisdom of our ancestors in wearing and using jade. This "Way of Appreciating Jade" actually embodies the profound etiquette culture of the Chinese nation.
I. Rules of Jade Wearing: A Silent Declaration of Status and Virtue
The etiquette of jade in ancient China was first manifested in "wearing jade." As early as the late Neolithic period, jade artifacts from the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures already demonstrated their extraordinary ritual functions. The regular shapes and exquisite carvings of the jade bi and cong from the Liangzhu culture all hinted at their important position in sacrificial and power systems. By the Zhou Dynasty, the custom of wearing jade was even more prevalent and was incorporated into strict ritual systems. The "Book of Rites: Yuzao" states: "A gentleman of old must wear jade." This was not merely simple ornamentation but an external manifestation of identity, status, and virtue.
The Zhou Dynasty's rule of "a gentleman without cause, jade does not leave the body" was not unfounded. According to research, the jade pendants worn by nobles at that time were not simple jade ornaments but consisted of multiple jade pieces strung together. When walking, they would emit clear and pleasant sounds, known as "jade ringing." The description in "The Book of Songs: Weifeng: Qiao Ao," "There is a refined gentleman, like cutting and filing, like carving and polishing," although a metaphor for a gentleman's self-cultivation, its origin is closely related to the intricate craftsmanship of jade processing. This "jade ringing" not only reminded the wearer to be dignified and walk gracefully but also served as a silent declaration of identity. Officials of different ranks had strict regulations on the material, shape, and quantity of their jade pendants. Those who overstepped these bounds would be punished lightly or even severely. For example, the Son of Heaven wore white jade, feudal lords wore green jade, high officials wore aquamarine jade, and scholars wore yu jade. This strict system of jade wearing clearly outlined the social hierarchy of the time.
II. Rituals of Jade Usage: Communicating with Heaven and Earth, Carrying Beliefs
In addition to wearing, jade also played an indispensable role in ancient major ritual activities such as sacrifices, diplomatic visits, and funerals. During sacrifices to heaven and earth deities, jade bi and cong were important ritual objects. The "Rites of Zhou: Spring Official: Grand Master" records: "Six jade instruments are made to honor heaven and earth and the four directions." Among them, the azure bi honored heaven, the yellow cong honored earth, the green gui honored the east, the red zhang honored the south, the white hu honored the west, and the black huang honored the north. These jade artifacts were not only a medium for communicating with heaven and earth but also a manifestation of the ancients' profound understanding and reverence for the cosmic order and natural forces.
In diplomatic settings, jade artifacts served as tokens, bearing the heavy responsibility of friendly relations and honest exchanges between nations. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the story of "Returning the Jade Intact to Zhao" is well-known. Lin Xiangru's act of returning the jade intact not only demonstrated his wisdom and courage but also highlighted the weight of the He Shi Bi as a national treasure in national credibility. This beautiful jade was not just material wealth but also a symbol of national dignity and integrity.
III. Symbolism of Jade: The Condensation of Virtue and Philosophy
Confucius's admiration for jade elevated its cultural significance to its peak. He corresponded eleven virtues of jade with the character of a gentleman, such as "the benevolent delight in mountains, the wise delight in water." The warmth, toughness, and ability of jade to conceal flaws without being obscured by them were endowed with moral connotations such as "benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness." The jade's "warmth and luster are benevolence; dense and firm, wisdom; sharp without cutting, righteousness; hanging down like a pendant, propriety; when struck, its sound is clear and prolonged, ending abruptly, music; flaws do not obscure the jade, and the jade does not obscure the flaws, loyalty; pervasive and far-reaching, trustworthiness; its qi is like a white rainbow, heaven; its spirit is seen in mountains and rivers, earth; its gui and zhang are unique and prominent, virtue; that which is valued by all under heaven, the Dao." This discourse on the "eleven virtues" is not only a praise of jade but also the highest requirement for a gentleman's self-cultivation. Therefore, wearing jade was not only a symbol of status but also a constant reminder for a gentleman to cultivate himself.
IV. Modern Inheritance: The Enduring Style of Jade Appreciation
Today, although the strict ancient ritual system of wearing jade no longer exists, jade, as a cultural symbol of the Chinese nation, its warm, introverted, and tenacious character is still cherished by people. Modern people wear jade primarily out of love for traditional culture, the pursuit of beautiful meanings, and the appreciation of the artistic value of jade itself. Whether it is the warm and introverted Hetian jade, the emerald green of jadeite, or the colorfulness of Dushan jade, all carry people's yearning for a beautiful life and respect for traditional culture.
The way of appreciating jade is not just about distinguishing the authenticity and quality of jade but also about savoring the profound historical and cultural heritage behind it. When I hold an ancient jade, feel its millennia of precipitation, and imagine which ancient sage once wore it and what historical events it witnessed, a sense of awe and pride naturally arises. Jade etiquette is a treasure of Chinese civilization. It transmits our nation's aesthetic taste, moral concepts, and philosophical wisdom in a unique and subtle way, still shining with immortal brilliance in modern society.