The Hall of Abstinence (Zhai Gong) at Tian Tan.



Before each ceremony, emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held a three-day fast during Spring, Summer and Winter. The emperors spent two days fasting in the Forbidden City and completed the three-day fast in the Hall of Abstinence.

During the three days, the emperor could not drink wine. He could only eat vegetables, but not garlic or onions. The emperor couldn't have any entertainment, could he handle any state affairs, and had to be away from women.

It is clear from the Imperial calligraphy displayed on scrolls here that one aspect of ritual fasting and abstinence most on their minds was being without concubines. This echoes an observation of Confucius in The Analects (Chapter 9, Verse 17) "I have never seen one who loves virtue as much as he loves sex." (Something that several Chinese Emperors and several American Presidents have had in common.)