佾 (yì) - A row of dancers in ancient Chinese ritual

佾Tone 4

yì ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

一懿

佾 · yì

A row of dancers in ancient Chinese ritual ceremonies, typically referring to the number of dancers in each row (e.

g.

, eight dancers in eight rows).

A row of dancers in ancient Chinese ritual

Usage highlights

EightSixFourTwoRitual danceDance formation

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient ritual specified eight rows of eight dancers (八佾).
  • Only the emperor was entitled to the highest ceremonial dance (天子八佾).
  • He studies ancient ritual dance forms (佾舞).

Collocations

  • Eight-row dance(八佾)
  • Six-row dance(六佾)
  • Four-row dance(四佾)
  • Two-row dance(二佾)
  • Ritual dance(佾舞)
  • Dance formation(佾列)

Idioms

  • The eight-row dance for the emperor(八佾舞于庭)
  • Ritual music and dance(礼乐佾舞)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese ritual systems, the number of dance rows (佾) indicated rank: emperor (8), feudal lords (6), high officials (4), lower officials (2).
  • 佾舞 was performed in Confucian ceremonies, especially at temples honoring Confucius.
  • Using more dance rows than one's rank allowed was considered a serious breach of ritual propriety.

FAQ