How did the ancient special ceremonial soldiers and elephants become the ceremonial stars of the ancient court?

The giant elephant gives people a simple and honest impression and is a symbol of good luck. Every wedding or celebration, people in many places will use inflatable elephants to symbolize good luck? Item? Ruyi, Vientiane is renewed.

In ancient times, our ancestors began to cultivate land with elephants. It is said that Shun, one of the five emperors, tamed elephants and used them for farming. After his death, so-called auspicious signs such as elephant digging and colorful birds holding mud appeared in front of the mausoleum. Huangfu Mi's "Imperial Century" records:? Shun was buried under Cangwu, and a group of elephants often plowed the fields for him. Yu was buried at the foot of Huiji Temple, like a farmer. ?

Elephants were once widely distributed in the Yellow River valley of China. With the change of climate and man-made over-hunting, the active area of elephants has gradually shrunk and migrated to the Yangtze River basin, Lingnan area and Yunnan area.

In addition to the legend of Shun taming elephants, "Lv Chunqiu? Ancient music also mentioned the role of elephants in war. Businessmen serve elephants to abuse the East, and the Duke of Zhou chased his teacher. As for Jiangnan. ? It shows that the Shang dynasty began to domesticate elephants more than 3000 years ago.

In ancient times, elephants were not only used in war, daily service or performance activities, but even made decorations with their ivory, and were often used as symbols of ancient court ceremonies. As an auspicious animal and a special ceremonial soldier, the elephant can be traced back to the Han Dynasty.

Take stock of the history of elephants used in court ceremonies. How did they perform in the vanguard of court etiquette?

Zhou Li records:? Wu Dao, the king of the towel car palm: Yu Daojing, no gift to the princes; Lu Jin is a guest with the same surname; It's like a road to North Korea, with a different surname? . The book Zhou Li was written in the middle and late Warring States Period or between the Han Dynasty, which shows that China began to use domesticated elephants for etiquette activities at least from the Han Dynasty. As an outstanding king in ancient times, Shun was respected by later generations. The legend of Shun's control over elephants' ploughing made them auspicious beasts, so many dynasties in China used elephants for court etiquette activities.

From "Three Biographies and Folding"? Under the Han and Wei dynasties, there were elephant tamers in the book of halogen. It can be seen that since the Han and Wei Dynasties, Xunxiang has been regarded as Depth Charge, a ceremonial ceremony for emperors to show their orthodox status. Cai Yong's Arbitrary Volume II: When the Emperor goes out, driving is called a halogen book. ? The halogen book is a guard of honor when the ancient emperors drove out of the car, which was used for occasions such as sacrifice, meetings and going out to do good deeds.

As the largest animal on land, the elephant's huge body, as majestic as a city wall, perfectly embodies the royal dignity. Jin Shu? Records about the use of elephants by Emperor Wu of Jin in etiquette are as follows: Like cars, China halogen book first. After Emperor Taikang and Wu Wan made peace, South Vietnam provided elephant training and ordered to drive elephants with carts, so that the Yellow Gate could encourage dozens of people to ride. ? It can be seen that elephants have already played the role of etiquette soldiers in the Jin Dynasty.

Later, because some elephants were grumpy and hit people with their noses, the Jin Dynasty felt that elephants were too dangerous and of little practical use, and they also paid people to feed them, so they returned the elephants that had paid tribute to South Vietnam.

By the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the etiquette system with images as the utensils was becoming more and more perfect. According to the volume of Tang Yao Hui, in the first month of the first year, the bronze tripod of Kyushu was cast and placed in the court. He still ordered the prime minister and the king to lead more than 100,000 guards to the north and south, dragging them down in the battle. Brought in from outside Yuan Wu? . It can be seen that the role of elephants in major ceremonial activities in the Tang Dynasty is very important.

Before the Song Dynasty, especially from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, wars continued and the ritual system collapsed. Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of Song Dynasty, attached great importance to the reconstruction of rites. Out of respect for ancient rituals and traditions, as well as the need to consolidate political power and establish personal dignity, the Song Dynasty completely restored the previous ritual traditions.

For example, an elephant served as a ceremonial guard when the emperor of the Song Dynasty offered sacrifices in the southern suburbs. There is such a description in the History of Song Dynasty. The 111th time, "Six Commandments": Song halogen book, with the image first, inlaid with Manglietia, golden banana plate, purple Luo embroidered eaves to wrap the brain, chest loach with bronze bells and apricot leaves, red axe and ox hair brushed, dust postscript. Each elephant is straddled by one South Vietnamese army, led by four people, with fins, rows of embroidered narrow clothes and silver belts. In the sixth year of Emperor Taizong's peaceful rejuvenation of the country, the elephants in the two villages were led by ten elephants in the southern suburbs, and in the ninth year of Kaibao in the southern suburbs, the elephants ranked before the six leaders. ?

For the preparation of halogen books, "Song History? Pool? Volume 99 contains:? Politics and preparation of halogen books. About six minutes. The last six quotations: Kaifeng Order, Kaifeng Animal Husbandry, Dasile, Shaofu, Dr. Shi Yu, Minister of War. ?

From the above two documents, we can see that Kaibao is the country name, Taiping Xingguo is the country name, Zheng He is the country name, and Zheng He is the country name. In other words, from the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty to the late years of the Northern Song Dynasty, the etiquette and image traditions in the courtier system have been passed down. The emperor of the Song Dynasty not only used tamed elephants as guards before his death, but also made elephants into stone statues to guard the imperial tomb after his death, so as to ensure peace behind him.

In the yuan dynasty, symbols were also essential for emperors to go on patrol? Big ones? . Did the emperor go hunting, travel between the two capitals, or follow the route? Bona? 、? Palace? Take images. However, although these etiquette images are usually mild, they will be difficult to control if they are frightened.

"Yuan history? He shengchuan:? When the emperor hunted for a day, he won the ride, and the actor was invited to be a lion dance to welcome him. The image is shocking and he can't escape. If he wins, he will be in front of the elephant, and the last one will break it, so it will be safe to ride on it. ? It can be seen that even though elephants are huge, they are instinctively afraid of lions, even fake lions.

In the Ming Dynasty, symbols and images were used more widely and frequently. According to historical records, every time the imperial court held a court meeting, there were instruments and images displayed in the sacrificial ceremony, which were used for sacrificial ceremonies and riding treasures. On June 4th, The History of Ming Dynasty, Yi Wei Zhi carried the ceremonial ceremony of the emperor? Tiger and leopard each have two, like training six, and the score is around? .

A series of etiquette systems involving the use of elephants in the Ming Dynasty, including pole climbing instruments, ceremony instruments and so on. What is the general name for the royal car in the book of the emperor's halogen? Cars? . Cars are divided into big wheels, jade wheels, golden wheels, elephant wheels, leather wheels and wooden wheels. A Record of Ming Taizu Volume 188:? At that time, the imperial court used elephants to hold it, and each imperial court also used elephants to display the two halls and the outside of the city gate. . Among them, the war car, that is, the elephant car on which the emperor rode, is tall and straight, with two elephants riding between the bedroom and the main hall. Un-yong Kim, eagles, birds, marine animals and other patterns are painted on the carriage of the War Car, and copper faucets and copper scales are decorated. And the parts are exquisite in workmanship and luxurious in atmosphere, showing the majesty of imperial power.

The emperor held a ceremony to ascend the throne. In case of major festivals, such as Zheng Dan, Winter Solstice, Holy Day, etc., he held celebrations and was received by civil and military officials. Sisi Lee? Greetings from the envoys. The forty-third volume of Ming Zhengdian records that when the dynasty was peaceful, Pastor Chen Zhangma stood like a rhinoceros in the south of Wu Wen Building, facing east and west. Chen Lang, the warden of Qin Tian, reported the time near the east and north of the inner island. .

On the 10th day of November in the eighth year of Yongle, the emissary of Timur Dynasty met with Emperor Yongle of Ming Dynasty. They walked to the other side of the road and reached the palace gate. Ten elephants stood at the end of the palace gate, five on the left and five on the right, and their trunks stretched out to the road. The envoys went through the suitcase and entered the palace. It can be seen that Judy of Ming Chengzu attached great importance to the role of signs and images.

Xie's Five Miscellanies of the Ming Dynasty describes the work of images in detail:? Today, the imperial court used images to set up the meridian gate, taking advantage of the halogen book, not only for the sake of spectacle, but also to discipline the police by their nature, not like other animals. Elephants are ordered, each with a number and some ingredients. Every dynasty stood at the left and right of the meridian gate. When you drive out, you can swim in the grass. When the bell rings, you will be in awe. Once an official enters, he will stand at the intersection of his nose, and no one dares to enter. When it's over, it's back to normal. If you are sick, you can't stand fighting, just like a slave holding it, and then it looks willing to do it, otherwise it won't go. If you have ever hurt anyone, you will announce to the staff that the second elephant will twist its feet on the ground with its nose, and the staff will appreciate it only when it is finished, which is expected. Or demoted, then the position of the station will be demoted, and it is strange that you dare not stand still. ?

What's the name of the instrument? Stand up? As soon as the bell rang, these treasures stood in awe and welcomed the officials into the meridian gate. After everyone went in, these treasures were put under martial law and no one was allowed to enter. When they saw the iron wall like an elephant, no one dared to cross it. After the ceremony, the elephant was withdrawn and returned to normal.

He is also a ceremonial soldier, and his image is graded. Different grades determine that they stand in different positions and eat and drink differently. Then, if an elephant is sick, it is necessary for the elephant slave (elephant trainer) to lead the sick elephant to other healthy elephants and tell them that your buddy is sick today and needs you to take over. If the healthy elephant comes out, it means that he agrees to take over, and then the sick elephant can rest.

To err is human, and the intelligence of an elephant is equivalent to that of a human child of four or five years old. If a symbol makes a mistake or hurts someone, it will be downgraded, that is, it will lower the level and treatment of the symbol and lower it. Stand up? Adjust the standing order. If you make a big mistake, you will get hit by the board, but who dares to fight such a behemoth? There is another way to do this. The trainer ordered the other two elephants to twist the wrongdoer to the ground with their long noses, and the man went up to accept the punishment of the stick. After the battle, the elephant will be persuaded to thank God for his kindness.

In addition, the Ming Dynasty held activities such as enjoying ancestral temples and offering sacrifices in the suburbs, and also used utensils and images. The imperial court has something to do with the sacrificial ceremonies in the northern and southern suburbs and the Clifford Valley, so it will let the elephant-carrying sacrificial vessel drive out in a chariot? .

By the Qing Dynasty, the system of courtiers was more perfect, and some Manchu characteristics were added while inheriting the etiquette system of the Ming Dynasty. The image status is also very high, just for the emperor? A soaked book? With what? French driving halogen book? Used for.

The draft of Qing history? The thought of jade symbol:? The emperor prepared a halogen book: it was used for three major sacrifices: Qiuqiu, Gucci and Changyu. I will go to the palace when I study, and I will use it when I return to the palace. Its system, the front row guide elephant four, the second treasure elephant five, the second static whip four? . In addition to the three major sacrifices, the law of driving halogen books is a etiquette norm used in general sacrificial activities and court meetings.

Jia Ruben in Qing Dynasty

A soaked book? With what? French driving halogen book? Are there any differences in the images in the movie? "Qing Li's Wonders" gives the answer:? In the 13th year of Qianlong reign, the emperor made a treasure statue of "Halogen Book", and the bow, hook and autumn climbing were all made of yellow velvet and decorated with precious stones. The front and back are decorated with two, and the back is covered with a bead net tassel, three bronze bells are hung, white leather is a spear, golden dragons are painted to collect clouds, and Zhou Dynasty is a flower to use Zhu. The saddle is decorated with gold, the vase is uploaded, and the bronze is also decorated with jewels. It is one foot six inches and five minutes deep, eight inches and six minutes in caliber and five feet seven inches and six minutes in abdomen. Carve beads, the bottom diameter is one foot one inch three minutes, and the foot diameter is one foot seven inches, carving clouds. The diameter of the lid is one foot three inches, and the crown is the top of the flame. This seat is one foot three inches high. Anyone who has a halogen book standing in the big court will stand outside the noon gate, just like driving a halogen book. The emperor's halogen book guides the elephant in the blue drawer freely. Where there is a halogen book in Dafayuan, it stands outside Tiananmen Square. Is it the same as opening a halogen book according to law? .

From the above, we can see that the dressing and decoration of the images in Chejia halogen book and Legalist halogen book are the same, but the difference is that the images are divided into treasure images and guide images according to the etiquette function, with four guide images without Aquarius and five treasure images with Aquarius only. As the name implies, the elephant guide plays a leading role, just like the vanguard of the honor guard. The instrument looks tall and dignified. It can observe the road conditions from a distance and report to the emperor in time to ensure the safety of the emperor. The dress of the blind elephant is relatively simple, and a person is covered with a blue blanket; On the other hand, the treasure elephant is different. Its whole body looks colorful and solemn, showing the luxurious status of the royal family.

Bao Xiang's head, chest and buttocks are all decorated with various jewelry with yellow wool, and he also carries Aquarius on his back. This vase is exquisite. In addition to gold plating, it is also inlaid with jewels, and the size and height are clearly required. The things in the Aquarius have Manchu characteristics, and there are tinder, flint and sickle in the Aquarius, which is an old custom of Manchuria to show that we have not forgotten the traditional customs of our ancestors. Besides, what is the homonym of the bottle? Ping? , like homophonic? Item? , like an Aquarius? There are elephants in Taiping? 、? Peaceful and auspicious? .

Fa Jia Lu Shu is mainly used for general sacrificial activities and court meetings. The exorcism books for general sacrificial occasions are displayed on the roadside. The emperor rode a golden chariot, led by the elephant in the front row and the elephant in Erbao. ?

In the case of the court meeting, the jade chariot and the gold chariot are located outside the Taihe Gate, and the five chariot is located outside the meridian gate. Baoxiang is arranged in the south of Wuyi. These four statues, that is, the elephants guiding the way, were placed outside Tiananmen Square at sunrise, which meant the prosperity of the imperial dynasty and also represented the image of peace.

When the pole climbing instrument is held, it is also inseparable from the participation of instruments and images. In the first month of the first year of Jiaqing, he led the Crown Prince to pay tribute to Fengxian Hall and went to the Royal Hall of Supreme Harmony. Give the emperor's treasure to the crown prince. Blessed is the Crown Prince. The throne of the emperor. Respect for the emperor's father. This is the day. Lu Shu is in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Lu 'an. Step out of Taihe Gate. Five Horses, Elephant Taming, Touma, Huang Gai and Yunpan are all outside the noon gate. ? Elephant training is a kind of instrumental image, which was used by courtiers in Qing Dynasty to publicize the monarchy and whitewash the peaceful atmosphere.

Because elephants occupy such a prominent position in the ceremonial procession and shoulder the solemn duties of the court, the treatment enjoyed by these elephants is also very high, not only beyond ordinary elephants, but also beyond most court officials. The rulers regard these domesticated elephants as more precious national treasures than giant pandas and let them enjoy the state's salary. Some elephants were awarded the title of first-class general after several dynasties, which made the imperial officials envy and hate. Not only the imperial court cherishes elephants, but also ordinary people regard them as mascots. In the secular performance held by the imperial court, they were able to see the elegance of elephants.

Kangxi's southern tour: a etiquette book outside Yongding Gate

For example, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the sixth day of the sixth lunar month was legal? Image washing day? During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the custom of washing elephants in June was formed, and the custom of washing elephants on June 6 was also followed in the Qing Dynasty. As a treasure, ordinary people usually can't see it. On this day, people can see the elegant demeanor of this peaceful and auspicious animal, adding a cheerful holiday scene to the capital.

In the Qing Dynasty, most of these elephants who served as courtiers were foreign residents, because the local tribute elephants were not as tall and skilled as foreign elephants. Vietnam, Siam, Myanmar and Nanzhang in Southeast Asia became the main countries providing elephant training to the Qing court. These foreign elephants all went through hardships to come to their new homes. They crossed the mountains and arranged a lot of manpower and material support on their way to Beijing. Even so, there are elephants on the road.

With the increase of tribute elephants in Qing dynasty, the elephant house could not hold any more. At the same time, the growing demand for elephant grain also increased the financial and economic burden of the Qing Dynasty. These elephants have an amazing appetite. The daily food ration is 3 buckets of rice, straw 160 kg, and elephants are halved. In order to save money, the Qing court had to temporarily stop paying tribute to elephants.

There is no such thing as a banquet that must come to an end, and the elephant that undertakes the etiquette function will one day withdraw from the historical stage. In the spring of Guangxu (1884) in Shen Jia, an elephant suddenly went crazy and threw the jade pheasant into the air and broke it. After escaping from the West Chang 'an Gate, he hurt people all the way and threw a eunuch on the wall of the imperial city. This frightened the residents of Xicheng District, who were afraid to go out. It was not until the evening that the mad elephant was captured. Since then, there have been no elephants in Ban Chao, and the remaining elephants have gradually died of old age, and the role of elephants in the etiquette system has also been abandoned.

Elephant, domesticated in ancient China for farming? Ruishou? Once spread all over the Yellow River Basin and many areas in China, it can only be settled in the west and southwest of Yunnan due to climate change. There are only about 50,000 wild elephants left in Asia. The number of African elephants is 10 times that of Asian elephants, about 500,000. It seems a lot, but compared with two centuries ago, this figure is extremely bleak.

According to statistics, in the year of 1800, that is, in the middle and late Qing dynasty, the total number of elephants in Africa alone reached 26 million, and that in Asia was about/kloc-0.0 million. It is a pity that the fate of elephants has changed so much in just two centuries. Due to poaching and ivory trade, as well as human activities, a large number of elephant habitats have been destroyed, and the scope of elephant activities has gradually narrowed, making it difficult to survive.

From the use of etiquette in China in the Han Dynasty to the abandonment of etiquette by Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty in 1884, etiquette and ceremonies, as pioneers of court etiquette, once prevailed, which brought glory and peace to the feudal dynasty and witnessed the rise and fall of the dynasty. Elephants have been friends of human beings for thousands of years, but now this Swiss beast is facing a population crisis, and human beings have the responsibility and obligation to protect this largest animal on land. At the same time, elephants have witnessed human civilization to some extent. Our civilization is wonderful because of elephants. From this perspective alone, we should protect the witnesses of this human civilization, not the dead specimens in the museum.