In Search of Leisure: Women's Festivities in Late Imperial Beijing

Abstract

For most residents of late-Imperial Beijing, “Guojie” (celebration of festivals) and “Guangmiao” (strolling around temple fairs) were two great pleasures. As the capital, Beijing attracted people from across the country who brought about a significant fusion of cultures. National and local festivals were held throughout the year. Eighteenth-century scholar Pan Rongbi counted 22 annual festivals in Beijing, each with a specific purpose: official ceremonies conducted by the emperor; the worship of ancestors and gods; the selling of seasonal food; the performance of rituals especially for men, women, or children; and festivals that brought families and friends together for touring temples and markets, which included displays of lanterns and fireworks, games, and feasts. Other scholars appreciated the uniqueness and sophistication of the holiday celebrations in the city that they produced book-length accounts of those events.