The theory of Zhongtang originated in Tang Dynasty. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, the government affairs hall was set up in Zhongshu Province, where the prime minister handled government affairs. The central hall was named after the prime minister's office in Zhongshu province. Later, the prime minister was called the central hall. The place where the prime minister works is naturally prominent. Later, the central scroll became the most important position in the hall. In the traditional furniture layout, the hall layout is the most exquisite and strict. "Central scroll " is the main part of Chinese traditional architecture, is a place for entertaining guests, celebrating sacrifices, and the main activity place of people's daily life. As a result, the central scroll has become the focus of family spirit and life taste.

In ancient China, the living room after entering the gate is the central hall, and the two sides are wing rooms. Some rural housing structures still retain this kind of architectural pattern. Although there are many kinds of urbanized residential structures, halls and rooms are generally matched, and hall is also called "hall".

The functions of the central scroll are generally divided into three categories: reception, etiquette and Buddhist hall. Different from the privacy and closeness of the study, the main room is an important and only place for the host to meet guests and conduct family etiquette. The etiquette of receiving guests and performing etiquette is the relationship between subject and guest, respect and inferiority, the elderly and the young. This kind of relationship strictly conveys the Chinese people's ethics of filial piety, loyalty and righteousness.

According to the use of the main hall, the function of the central hall furniture is naturally emphasized. According to the traditional custom, the order of the armchair or the chair is the right master, the left guest or the left as the upper and the right as the lower. Both the elders and the staff should take the seat in the order of "order". This is called sitting with sitting posture. It is worth mentioning here that even if the master of the family is not able to perform the ceremony, he usually only takes his seat on the right side. One is to show humility, and the other is to wait in an empty seat. Therefore, the seats in the central scroll are not often used at the same time. When the hall is also used as a Buddhist hall, there are niches in the middle of the case, or three stars of fortune, wealth and longevity, or memorial tablets for deceased relatives. Five offerings, such as incense burner, wax cuttings and flowerpots, are set up on the case for praying and mourning.

Therefore, the central scroll location is the most solemn area of a residence. For the placement of items, wall hanging or pasting requirements, are extremely strict and prudent. The culture of the nave is full of the Chinese nation's excellent traditional morality, the content of ethical education and the way of education. This kind of "content" and "way" have made contributions to human civilization, and still have important significance today.

Time: August 27, 2020

Source: “Redwood” Penguin Number