________________
BOOK XLVI. SANG FŮ SZE KIH
OR
THE FOUR PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE DRESS
OF MOURNING.
1. All ceremonial usages looked at in their great characteristics are the embodiment of (the ideas suggested by) heaven and earth; take their laws from the changes of the four seasons; imitate the (operation of the) contracting and developing movements in nature; and are conformed to the feelings of men. It is on this account that they are called the Rules of Propriety; and when any one finds fault with them, he only shows his ignorance of their origin.
2. Those usages are different in their applications to felicitous and unfortunate occurrences; in which they should not come into collision with one another :- this is derived from (their pattern as given by) the contracting and developing movements in nature.
3. The mourning dress has its four definite fashions and styles, the changes in which are always according to what is right:--this is derived from the changes of the four seasons.
Now, affection predominates; now, nice distinctions; now, defined regulations; and now, the consideration of circumstances : - all these are
See the introductory notice, vol. xxvii, pp. 59, 60.
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