조선시대 先蠶祭 정비와 시행 의미

Abstract

Seonjamje is a rite of worship of Seoreungssi, the deity of sericulture. The rite was conducted at the Seonjamdan. The rite was held on the first day of the snake in March each year. Seonjamje is notable in that the subject of worship is female. The purpose of the rite is to promote sericulture amongst the people in the hope that they would lead a bountiful life. Seonjamje was first organized as a national rite during the Joseon Dynasty. The rites of the Joseon era were divided into five major categories. The ancestral rites were known as Gil-rye. Seonjamje was of medium size. Therefore it was designated as a medium-size rite among Gil-rye. Discussion on Seonjamje began during Taejong’s reign and was formalized in the “Five Rites” listed in the Sejonsillok, during Sejong’s reign. It was later modified as part of the Five National Rites and was entered into law. During the process, the meaning and formality of Seonjamje were strengthened. Moving the Seonjamdan, where Seonjamje was held, was a topic of discussion. However, the decision was made not to move it, and currently the rites are held at the Seonjamdan-ji in Seongbuk-dong. While the subject of worship in Seonjamje is female, the officiator of the rite is the King. However, since the rite is of medium size, a government official is sent to officiate the rite. This is known as Seopsa. Seonjamje should be held each year, but the records indicate otherwise. However, Sejo and Myeonjong conducted Seonjamje relatively frequently. In Sejo’s case, he sought to strengthen his sovereignty. In the 19th Century Seonjamje was held almost every year. While the crown was weaker, formality was stronger. The greatest changes in Seonjamje happened during the 43rd year of Yeongjo’s rule. At that time, the Queen began to conduct Chinjam-rye. Yeongjo had the Queen personally conduct Seonjamje as well. This was a unique event in the history of the Joseon dynasty. The Queen at the time, Jeongsun conducted Seonjamjakheon-rye, where an offering of wine is made personally. The Seonjamje of the Joseon Dynasty was a rite for the people, to fulfill the idea of a nation for the people. It was a policy that concerned itself with the availability of clothing for people made manifest as a ceremonial rite.