조선시대 서원과 향례(鄕禮)－경상도 지역 향음주례(鄕飮酒禮) 시행과 의미 = Sewon and Hyangrye(鄕禮) during the Joseon Dynasty' : A Study on the Implementation and Meaning of Hyang Eum Ju-rye Ritual (鄕飮酒禮) in Gyeongsang Province

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Hyang-eum-jurye (鄕飮酒禮) is a ritual designed to promote moral awareness and reform local customs within Hyangchon (鄕村) society. Its origins stem from cautionary practices concerning alcohol consumption. The adverse effects of excessive drinking were described as a departure from proper decorum (淫亂) and the erosion of social distinctions (無別). It was believed that such behaviors could harm an individual's physical and mental well-being, destabilize nations, and disrupt the five cardinal relationships (五倫). In response to these concerns, rituals were developed to encourage moderation and propriety in drinking.
During the Joseon dynasty, this concern for alcohol’s societal impact was incorporated into governance strategies for Hyangchon society. The implementation of Hyang-eum-jurye was proposed as a means of moral education. Regional officials were tasked with promoting ethical behavior and often invited prominent local figures to preside over these rituals. The ceremonies aimed to reduce tensions between officials and local residents while fostering enlightenment and guidance (曉諭) through the observance of formal etiquette.
This study examines records documenting the actual practice of Hyangeum-jurye. Representative examples include Park Chang-woo's (朴昌宇) Hyangeum- juryeui-sik (鄕飮酒禮儀式) from Ulsan (蔚山) and records of rituals conducted by regional officials such as Lee Hyang-sang (李衡祥), Yun Gwangan (尹光顏), Lee Chae (李采), and Lee Deok-young (李衡永). These rituals were informed by classical texts such as the “Yegi (儀禮)” and the “Gukjo Oryeui (國朝五禮儀).” While the overall structure of the rituals was consistent－beginning with the selection of attendees in the Mubin (謀賓) stage, proceeding through the main ceremonial activities, and concluding with the guest of honor’s departure－minor variations were evident in the specific details of execution.
Such differences arose due to the temporal and cultural distance between Joseon and the ancient origins of Hyang-eum-jurye, making precise replication impractical. Furthermore, as the rituals prioritized moral instruction over strict ceremonial adherence, they did not evolve into routine practices. Consequently, surviving records reveal regional adaptations, reflecting the distinct contexts of their implementation while maintaining the core framework of the ritual.
These adaptations illustrate the scholars' nuanced understanding of ritual principles. They balanced fidelity to traditional intentions with practical considerations, adapting the rituals to the needs and circumstances of their time.