What is the difference between a concubine and an imperial concubine
In the ancient Chinese harem system, the imperial concubine and the imperial concubine were two very important positions, however, what exactly is the difference between them? This article will give you an in-depth analysis.
First of all, we need to understand the status of the noble concubine and the imperial concubine. In the harem, the status of the concubine was second only to the empress, and she was one of the highest status among the emperor's concubines. The imperial concubine is a higher status above the concubine, usually only one, and is the emperor's most favored and respected concubine.
So, specifically, what are the differences between the imperial concubine and the imperial concubine?
First of all, from the point of view of title, the title of noble concubine originated in the Tang Dynasty, when the harem set up three ladies, among which the status of the noble concubine, the lady concubine, and the German concubine was second only to the queen. The title of imperial concubine began to appear during the Ming Dynasty, as the emperor's honorific title for the particularly favored concubine.
Secondly, in terms of the status in the harem, although the status of the imperial concubine is already very high, the status of the imperial concubine is even more transcendent. The imperial concubine is usually regarded as the head of the harem, and her status is second only to the queen, and her etiquette system and etiquette are correspondingly higher. In contrast, although the status of the imperial concubine is high, its treatment and etiquette are still slightly inferior to that of the imperial concubine.
Third, in the canonization ceremony, there are also differences between the noble concubine and the imperial concubine. Generally speaking, the ceremony of canonizing a concubine is relatively simple, while the ceremony of canonizing an imperial concubine is more solemn and requires multiple canonization ceremonies to complete. In addition, when canonizing the imperial concubine, the emperor will also issue a special edict to show respect and favor.
In addition, there are also differences between the noble concubine and the imperial concubine in terms of clothing, accessories, etc. According to the regulations of the harem system, the imperial concubine's clothing and accessories should be more gorgeous and exquisite than that of the concubine, in order to show her higher status and honor.
In addition to the above, there are also differences between the noble concubine and the imperial concubine in terms of power. Although the concubine had a high status in the harem, her actual power was relatively small, and she was mainly responsible for managing her own palace affairs and concubines. The imperial concubine, on the other hand, has greater power, can participate in the management and decision-making of the harem, and also has greater influence on other concubines.
To sum up, although the imperial concubine and the imperial concubine are both important positions in the ancient Chinese harem system, they have differences in titles, status, treatment, canonization ceremonies, clothing, accessories, and power. These differences reflect the emperor's favor and status for different concubines, and also reflect the complexity and rigor of the harem system.