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National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Seokjeon Daeje (National Rite to Confucius)

석전대제 ( 釋奠大祭 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Name of Cultural Properties Seokjeon Daeje (National Rite to Confucius)
Quantity
Designated Date 1986.11.01
Age
Address Seoul

This rite is held at Munmyo Shrine. It is also called Munmyo Daeje or Seokjeonje. It is presumed that such a rite was first held during the Goguryeo Period following the Chinese practice. This is based on records showing that Taehak (The National Confucian Academy) was established in 372 (the 2nd year of the reign of King Sosurim of Goguryeo).
Seokjeon Daeje is held in February and August every year to honor the scholastic virtues of Confucius and prestigious Confucian scholars. The procedure for the ritual is as follows: Yeongsillye (greeting the spirits), Jeonpyerye (offering silk satin as present), Choheollye (first obeisance), Gongak (playing of music), Aheollye (second obeisance), Jongheollye (last obeisance), Eumbongnye (partaking of sacrificial food), Cheolbyeondu (overturing of ritual dishes), Songsillye (bidding farewell to the spirits), Mangnyo (incineration of prayers). The ritual is carried out to the accompaniment of music (Munmyo Jeryeak), which includes both instrumental and vocal music, and dance. Eight instruments for court music are used and are played by two groups of players (Deunga and Heonga).
Seokjeon Daeje is held as a national event in a solemn atmosphere. It has characteristics of comprehensive art that includes music and dance.