ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the rituals of Tian worship, earth worship and ancestor worship helped to shape a “universal order” in which Chinese relationalism functioned. The inimitable Chinese “universal order” had two axes. The vertical axis was a relational hierarchy with Tian and the earth – the mysterious and omniscient powers – overlooking the emperor or the “Son of Tian,” who lorded over his subjects; the horizontal axis was a relational and managerial “jifu” system, a relationship network that defined and regulated human interactions on earth. The “jifu” system centered at the capital city of the empire and radiated outward to five “fu” or geographical rings. The rings were treated according to the “near” and “far” relationships with the royal court. The far ring was inhabited by uncivilized barbarians. The other pillar in the “universal order” was the family comprised of not only the living but also the deceased members of the multigenerational family. Families sharing the same ancestors formed a relationship network called a “clan.” The clan regularly met for worshipping purposes as well as for financial and emotional support. This “universal order” connected individuals with Tian, the earth and fellow humans, alive or deceased, constantly reaffirming the paramount importance of individuals’ positions in the hierarchical and relational network.
