On The Mourning Apparel System In Tang Dynasty

In this thesis, the mourning apparel system in Tang Dynasty is discussed from the aspects of ideology, regime and society life.The author begins with the patriarchal theory defined in the annotation of Jia Gongyan's Ritual·Mourning Apparel, which basically related the moral principles of the patriarchal family. The theory focused on the argumentation and protection for patriarchy, with the perfection of the patriarchal family structure and family relation as its main points, and the discussion of the dependency, edging and degrading of females in the family status. The conception formed the theoretical foundation of the mourning apparel system through Tang Dynasty.As an important part of the ritual system, the mourning apperal system experienced reforms and improvements, a process during which it lost the original character of the patrialchal clan system in pre- Qin period,when only the nobles were engaged in politics and the social classes were severely classified. A new patriarchal clan system of middle ancient times took its place.In Tang Dynasty, the brief funeral ceremony invented by Han Wendi(Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty )went through systematization and confucianization after the reform and improvement, which provided ethical evidences for the great union advocated in the imperial regime.The reform of the mourning apparel system in Tang Dynasty centered on the adjustment of the mourning dresses worn by the mothers, wives and their relatives.Though it reflected the features of the family structure and family life in Tang Dynasty, it failed to reorder the patriarchal classes.During the socialization of the mouning apparel system, Confucianism blended the ritual with the social culture, and patriarchism became the main principles for sociality.