State Cult. Beginning in the Song dynasty (960-1279), there was a reassertion of the classical Confucian religion centered on the supremacy of Heaven and the position of the ruler as the true son of Heaven. This state cult, based upon a reexplanation of traditional Confucianism by neo-Confucian intellectuals, who had been greatly influenced by the beliefs of Buddhism, continued as the official religion for the following dynasties, with the exception of a short period of Mongol rule (1279-1368) when Buddhist influence dominated the government.

Rituals. Since state rituals were performed for the benefit of all people, the emperor himself, assisted by his high-ranking officials, performed the state sacrifices. At the same time, regional and local officials performed lesser sacrifices in their prefectures and counties.

State Ritual. The emperors recognized the existence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, but they tried to keep an...