I believe that friends who have watched TV dramas know that when the ancient courtiers went to the court or privately saw the emperor, they had to clap their sleeves with both hands to perform the ceremony, why did this kind of operation exist? Is it because there is too much dust on the sleeve that needs to be shaken? Of course not, the reason why there is this action is because of the meaning of the following three aspects:
First: Prove that you don't have a weapon with you
In the ancient feudal society, the emperor was always guarding against people around him against him. In the harem, the concubines had to be carried naked by the eunuchs into the dormitories, and they could not stay overnight, because they were worried that the safety of the emperor was threatened. Also in the previous dynasty, it was natural to be wary of civil and military officials.
The minister had to pat his sleeve when he knelt down, and it was for this reason that the minister patted his sleeve to prove that he was not carrying any weapons and that there were no safety hazards, so that the emperor could let down his guard and then talk about political affairs with peace of mind.
Second: A symbol of official incorruptibility
In ancient times, the first criterion for evaluating whether an official was a good official or not should be incorruptible. The so-called two-sleeve breeze may be the meaning of this action. Therefore, when the minister salutes the emperor, there will be such a gesture to symbolize his own incorruptibility, and it should be said that this action can be regarded as a positive culture of the ancient officialdom.
No matter what a certain official did in private, what was the official atmosphere at that time, but on the surface, it was hoped to present a good positive culture.
Third: respect for the emperor
Ancient feudal society was very particular about etiquette, meticulous to all aspects. There is a saying in ancient etiquette that when facing or receiving distinguished guests, you should dress neatly. This neat dress includes a neat dress to show respect for the guests.
And so on. When the minister kneels in front of the emperor, he is afraid of the sleeves, just to show respect for the emperor and ensure that the clothes are neat before he can perform the ceremony.
The above three aspects are why ancient ministers needed to pat their sleeves when they knelt down to the emperor. In ancient times, although some etiquette and etiquette seemed to be a bit cumbersome, but careful tasting, there are also many places worth learning for our modern people, although cumbersome, but there is no lack of cumbersomeness that reflects the excellent side of traditional culture, and everything is more ritualistic.