Feng Shan
![Jade Emperor Peak, the summit of Mt. Tai](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Mount_tai_highest_peak.jpg)
It is considered among the most important rituals of religious Confucianism.
According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Feng involved building altars out of soil at the peak of Mt. Tai and proclaiming the merits and legitimacy of the emperor to god of heaven. Shan involved clearing land at the foot of the mountain to show respect for the god of earth.
It was seen as a point by which emperors could meditate on the relationship between heaven and earth.
While historically considered limited to the Emperor, commoners have performed the ceremony at times without imperial permission. The general Huo Qubing did it alone.
It is considered a prerequisite that the empire is in a period of prosperity with a good emperor and auspicious signs to perform the ritual. Many sovereigns refused to perform the ritual citing themselves as unworthy of it.
They are considered parallel to the Secular Games of the Roman Empire in their political role with both being highly infrequent celebrations. Both had high religious significance and were influential in changing narratives of power. Provided by Wikipedia
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