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Since the Zhou Dynasty, China has established dedicated official positions and procedures for the handling of ice preservation, and this official system persisted until the Qing Dynasty, forming the official ice preservation system. From the Zhou Dynasty's "Ling Ren" to the Qing Dynasty's "Guan Bing Jian Du," the process followed a seasonal sequence of autumn collection, winter storage, spring initiation, and summer distribution to carry out ice preservation work.
The veneration of the Cold God,also held a significant role, as both the preservation and extraction of ice required rituals and ceremonies, including ceremonies to avert disasters. Storing ice blocks adhered to stringent regulations, encompassing precise specifications for the timing, size, and quantity of ice extraction. The primary purpose of ice blocks was their use as sacrificial offerings, ensuring the preservation of other ceremonial offerings. Following the rituals, the emperor would bestow these offerings upon the royal ministers.
Initially, ice consumption was reserved exclusively for the emperor and privileged nobility who received such rewards. However, as private ice cellars became more widespread among the common people, ice became accessible for everyday use, including consumption, refrigeration, and even applications in the fishing industry.
This study seeks to explore how ice made its way from the palace to the hands of the general populace, and how its value was maximized. In order to comprehend the background of the entire ice preservation system, this research endeavor collects and collates relevant historical documents, literature, and previous studies related to ice preservation. Analyzing the trajectory of ice from sacred altars to the people forms the central focus of this exploration.
Chapter 1 serves as an introduction, conducting a retrospective review of the literature and summarizing previous research. Chapter 2 delves into the ice preservation system, investigating the roles of officials and the procedural aspects during various dynastic periods, including details about the rituals for worshipping the Cold God, the timing of ice harvesting, and its locations, to gain insight into the fundamental framework of ice preservation.Subsequently, Chapter 3 systematically presents an appraisal of the construction methods and materials employed in Qing Dynasty ice cellars, the strategies and timelines for ice harvesting, and the disparities among owners of such ice cellars. Chapter 4 extensively deliberates on the multifaceted uses of ice blocks, from their ceremonial significance employed by the authorities for rituals, rewards, and tributes, to their pervasive applications in the daily lives of the common people, encompassing everyday consumption, refrigeration, and their invaluable role in the fishing industry.
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