Yueqin

***Yueqin*** (跃芩; *yuèqín*, "salvation by pain") is a form of ritual repentence performed by those burdened with deep dishonour or shame. It was originally reserved for the *sai* warrior class, but was later practiced by others to restore purity to themselves or their lineage. As a *sai* practice, *yueqin* was done in order to repent for one's shameful actions, either criminal or offensive to one's lord, and was overseen by a priest. The ritual could vary slightly from region to region, but was essentially death in order to reach 'salvation' and fully cleanse onself of one's shame. Battlefield *yueqin* (known as 蒯岩跃芩) was done in order to cleanse oneself in anticipation of death or torture at the hands of the enemy, and did not serve as a form of repentence.

## Ritual

The practice was not standardised until the 12th and 13th centuries, and the details of the rite could vary drastically across Kanton. In some areas, the death of the individual was seen as the natural end to the ritual, though it was more common for the *sai* to be kept alive. By the 1200s, there was a general process which had to be adhered to, and the presence of a priest was imperative.

By the middle of the Kuai Period, carrying out *yueqin* came to involve specific rites which were directed by the priest. It was often performed in front of spectators: either the *sai*'s lord, or his family. The warrior bathed and dressed in a white loincloth and outer robes worn for death. Sometimes, he was granted a 'last night' before the ceremony took place, which he was advised to spend in fervent worship. Before the execution, he would drink a cup of salt water, and light a stick of incense. The time it took for the incense to burn through was reserved for final prayer and a blessing said by the priest.

With the selected executioner or *chengshang* (丞伤) standing by, the *sai* would cross his legs, pour a bowl of salt water over his head, and clasp his hands in silent prayer. The priest would summon the *shen* in order to bear witness to the ritual and cleanse the warrior of his sins. The *chengshang* would then perform *xinshang*, a stabbing motion through the back of the *sai* and into his heart which resulted in instant death. Because of the precision necessary for such a maneuver, the executioner was always a skilled swordsman. Usually the executionary move would occur just as the last word of the priest's summons was said, the word being 'death' (足, *zu*).

### Variations

There were a number of different rituals that could be carried out during a yueqin, often depending on the severity of the warrior's shame, his age, or his status amongst other *sai*. For example, ritual drowning was commonly performed on older, weaker *sai* and was done in the ocean, due to the presence of seasalt in the water. A common execution known as *nei-shang* (馁伤) was performed on young warriors, and involved a quick cut to the back of the neck which severed the vital arteries. This type of cut could also be performed on a battlefield, as it was relatively quick, but was not considered a purification ritual.

Ritual suicide was practiced by the wives of *sai* who had brought shame and dishonour upon not just themselves, but their families too. In many cases, the concubines of the warrior were also killed during the same ceremony. The ritual was not overseen by a priest, and did not involve nearly so much complexity or length of time. The women would sit in a circle and pray together, before each would take a knife in her hand and place it on the neck of the woman to her right. Then, at the same time, they would each slice the neck of the other. This was known as *weishang*. If the wife was alone, she would simply perform the same injury upon herself.