The Rise and Fall of Ritual Music: The Se as a Social Mirror of Musical Culture from the Eastern Zhou to the Han Dynasties

Abstract

As an important component of ritual and music culture from the Eastern Zhou to the Western Han period, the se (a type of Chinese zither) reflects profound changes in social psychology and cultural symbolism through its dynamic evolution in form, tuning, and function. During the Eastern Zhou period, the se reinforced the hierarchical concepts and ethical order of the feudal society through the normative role of ritual and music. In the Warring States period, its function gradually shifted toward the expression of individual emotions and the diversified development of secular music, demonstrating the adaptability and flexibility of ritual and music culture. In the Qin and Han periods, the form of the se became further standardized and it became a cultural tool symbolizing the central authority of the state, while also incorporating elements from folk traditions, thereby blending ritual and secular aspects. In social governance and cultural innovation, the se exemplified the harmonizing role of ritual and music culture, facilitating adjustments in social psychology and the reconstruction of the value system. By analyzing the functional evolution and symbolic significance of the se, this paper provides theoretical references for understanding the core role of musical culture in social change and lays an important foundation for the further study of ritual and music culture and the history of ancient Chinese music.