Reviving ancient rituals in modern times: Sacrificial dance for Confucius

The sacrificial dance for Confucius during the 2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival held in Qufu, East China's Shandong province, turns out to be a grand feast, astounding international guests. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_8bece179bb98]

At the memorial ceremony for Confucius, a group performed a captivating sacrificial dance for Confucius, captivating global visitors and guests at the 2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival held in Qufu, East China's Shandong province. The performance, with elegance dance movements and music, brought ancient rituals to life, providing an immersive experience for all to learn about Confucian culture.

In the serene setting of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong, on Oct 14, the ancient ritual of the sacrificial dance for Confucius was performed. In the Jinsi Hall, Yan Qing, the dance instructor, guided students with precision, emphasizing the importance of each movement.

"Every gesture must convey solemnity and respect," she said, underscoring the dance's adherence to ancient ceremonial standards.

The dance, a key part of the memorial ceremony for Confucius, includes several segments, each with its own music and purpose. From welcoming the deity to the final farewell, each step is synchronized with traditional music, creating a harmonious blend of ritual and art.