The Yuehu Of Ming Dynasty

Musician households (Yuehu) were specializing ancient Chinese music groups who mainly sang and danced. As hereditary professional groups, who were of low origin as well, they first appeared in North Wei Dynasty, and continued to exist in the following periods--- North Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing until Emperor Yongzheng repealed the rule about the low-origined people, after which , musician households gradually disappeared.In Ming Dynasty, there were some characteristics with musician households and their management system.First of all, Ming musician households came from all kinds of groups, who were the previous, heirs, some people of Mongolia who be punished, folk artists, prostitutes, and even some people who were involved in the struggle between Emperor Jianwen and Yongle, which is very rare.Secondly, in Ming Dynasty musician households'law and society status were very low. Rulers unfairly limited their costumes, action and marriage and the punishment to them was heavier than to other social stratum, which inevitably leaded to their lower social status. Not only musician households themselves were looked down upon but also the officials who managed them felt ashamed. As was just a special case, some performers got higher status in Emperor Ming Wuzong period.Thirdly, in Ming Dynasty musician households made remarkable contribution to inherit and develop the music art of ancient China. Because they made music for the royal as well as the public, they became indispensable part of the country's political life and varieties of social activities.Fourthly, some musician households in the capital and the royal family would be provided free food and clothes and even the emperor's gift especially on the festival, so they could live better. In contrast, the local musician households kept a low income and lived much worse.Among musician households of Ming Dynasty, there were some leading figures who had done their effect to the society and history, such as Ma Xianglan, Gu Mei, Bian Sai and so on,they not only make unique contribution to music, general terms, handwriting, painting and other arts but also love the country more than patriotisms.