The relationship between propriety and affection and its development
The relationship between propriety and affection can be said to be complementary and interdependent. As a sacrificial ritual and social norm, ritual originated from religious sacrifices, and was fundamentally to achieve effective communication between humans and gods. Affection, on the other hand, refers to people's emotions and inner experiences, which are the basis of interactions between people. In the pre-Qin period, due to the sacredness of rituals, people began to gradually integrate emotional factors into the practice of rituals, so as to strengthen their reverence and dependence on the gods. Therefore, the relationship between propriety and affection arises and develops in this context.
In sacrificial ceremonies, people effectively "communicate" with the gods through strict normative rituals. This requires not only the solemnity and norms of the liturgy itself, but also the piety and reverence of the participants. It is believed that it is only through the "sincerity" and reverence of the ritual that effective communication with the gods can be achieved, and thus blessings and blessings can be obtained. In addition, people also need to show the emotion of reverence in the sacrifice, that is, the reverence and fear of the gods. It can be said that the development of ritual sentiment is based on dependence, trust, and reverence for the gods. In this case, the relationship between courtesy and affection is reflected in the need to be courteous and affectionate, but also courteous and reasonable. Successful sacrifices require a combination of ritual and affection, that is, to follow the norms of ritual and show sincere emotion.
In social life, communication and exchanges between people place more emphasis on two-way interaction. Unlike the one-way nature of the "communication" of the gods, the communication between people is more complex and diverse, and it also requires more emotional involvement. Therefore, the function of the rite is also more directly realistic. Meng Xianzi once pointed out that if people do not communicate and interact with each other with respect and reverence, then their behavior will violate the basic principles of etiquette. In the same way, Confucius also believed that if a person only pursues respect, prudence, courage, and straightforwardness, and does not use courtesy to embellish it, there will be some drawbacks. It can be said that the development of etiquette emotion has made etiquette move from a formal and dogmatic state to a richer and more real emotion, so as to better apply it to the communication of interpersonal relationships.
In addition, the relationship between propriety and affection is also discussed in many places in the literature. For example, there is a discussion of etiquette and respect in "Zuo Chuan", which shows that people attach importance to the emotional factor of respect contained in etiquette. At the same time, Confucius's essence of etiquette also emphasizes the importance of affection. He believes that if a person is only respectful, cautious, courageous, and straightforward without embellishment with courtesy, there will be some drawbacks. It can be said that Confucius's view of etiquette is not limited to the form of etiquette, but attaches more importance to the emotional characteristics contained in etiquette.
On the other hand, the essay "Sexual Pretensions" in Guodian Bamboo Slips more directly raises etiquette and affection to the same level, and reveals the internal relationship between the two. This article emphasizes the importance of affection, arguing that affection is determined by sexuality, and etiquette is produced on the basis of affection. It can be said that the relationship between courtesy and affection has been explained and explained more comprehensively in this article.
Harmony and conflict in courtesy relationships
The development of courtesy relationships can be divided into two types, harmony and conflict. A harmonious relationship between etiquette and affection refers to the mutual promotion and coordination between etiquette and affection, so that the two can better develop and integrate. In a harmonious relationship of etiquette and affection, etiquette and affection complement each other and are interdependent. As a norm and ritual, etiquette can effectively express and convey feelings. At the same time, affection can also enrich and deepen the connotation of etiquette, so that it is no longer limited to formal dogma. In the harmonious relationship between etiquette and affection, the two promote each other and form an organic whole.
However, there are also conflicts and contradictions in the relationship between courtesy and affection. As an external norm and ritual, etiquette sometimes suppresses and restricts an individual's emotions and inner experiences. In the same way, it is possible that the sentiment violates the norms and principles of the rites, and destroys the sacredness and solemnity of the rites. In the conflicting relationship between etiquette and affection, etiquette and affection are opposed to each other, and good coordination and unity cannot be achieved.
It is precisely because there is harmony and conflict in the relationship between propriety and affection that we need to recognize the interaction and boundaries between the two in practice. In the development of the relationship between etiquette and affection, it is necessary to pay attention to the balance and moderation between etiquette and affection. We need to respect and follow social norms and rituals, while also making the most of our emotions and inner experiences. It is only in the balance and moderation of the courtesy relationship that we are better able to communicate and interact effectively with others.