조선시대 유교의례의 사회적 기능과 상징적 의미 ― 조상제례를 중심으로

Abstract

The social functions and symbolic meaning of Confucian rites that were examined in this thesis are placed in a mutually organic relationship. The reason is that the sanctification of rites through symbolic meaning is a social, cultural device prepared to unite and strengthen paternal kinship based on patriarchal, hierarchical and to realize social status discrimination order more efficiently. Also, they all conclude to an ultimate purpose of 'securing justice'. Justice is secured by promoting the sanctification of rites. Based on this, the validity of several relationship orders set in Confucianism is granted once more. In other words, the rite itself must be considered as 'tradition' first to grant validity to the existing order of the era through rites. Ancestral rites, which are religious ceremonies with a lineage connection raise emotional intimacy and form a strong faith. As sacredness is granted, legitimacy can be also guaranteed based on objective belief. Although ancestral rites are accomplished at an extremely personal level as practicing filial piety, repaying kindness for the love parents bestowed on during their lifetime, we can see that they have been used quite frequently to justify group norm of values. It is said in 『Ye-gi(禮記)』, “(By performing ancestral rites with utmost sincerity) duties of sovereign and subject is renovated, affection between father and son is deepened, siblings are in harmony, order of superiors and inferiors is straightened, and there is classification between husband and wife.” The origin of rites being used to continue and strengthen social norm of values of the era can be found in ancient China. Soon-ja(荀子) also said that rites were made by wise kings(賢君) of ancient China to suppress disagreement or fights among the people and to control their desires. He mentioned that rites were based on a secular principle rather than a religious one. Rites are group products that have been accumulated for a long time. The group is composed of society members of the era. Although rites have settled in the sanctification area by receiving religious symbolism, it is considered to have gone through much social and cultural manipulation. Confucian rites cannot break away from this possibility as well. The possibility increases as the range of social norm of values which was tried to be realized through Confucian rites is expanded. This highlights another side of ancestral rites which were extremely feared from an ancestor-worshiping level. It is also a critical point that desperately needs in-depth studies in the future.