yì

佾

Character · Noun

rows of ritual dancers; formation

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

1 sense · 3 examples
1.

noun

rows or formations of dancers in ancient Chinese ritual music and dance

archaic

In ancient Chinese ritual hierarchy, the number of rows indicated social rank: eight rows (八佾) for the emperor, six for feudal lords (诸侯), four for high officials (卿大夫), and two for scholars (士). This system is famously referenced in the Analects (3.1) regarding the usurpation of ritual privileges.

Bā八
yì佾
wǔ舞
yú于
tíng庭
 ，
shì是
kě可
rěn忍
yě也
 ，
shú孰
bù不
kě可
rěn忍
yě也
 ？

If eight rows of dancers could be performed in his courtyard, what could he not bear to do?

Gǔ古
dài代
tiān天
zǐ子
yòng用
bā八
yì佾
 ，
zhū诸
hóu侯
yòng用
liù六
yì佾
 。

In ancient times, the Son of Heaven used eight rows of dancers, while feudal lords used six.

Show 1 more example
Yì佾
shēng生
men们
pái排
liè列
zhěng整
qí齐
 ，
zhǔn准
bèi备
jì祭
sì祀
wǔ舞
dǎo蹈
 。

The ritual dancers lined up neatly, preparing for the sacrificial dance.