The Common People Are Not Bound by Ceremonial Rites
礼制的施行向下不涉及普通百姓。这是儒家经典《礼记》所阐述的周朝礼制施行的一个原则。周朝的礼仪规定很繁琐，即便是贵族也不胜其烦；而普通百姓大多生活贫困，忙于生计，没有足够的财力和精力完满地执行各种礼仪规定。故在制度层面规定不以礼仪苛责于普通百姓，只是用它激励百姓的自我提升。周礼虽早已成为历史，但其中蕴含的仁爱和宽容精神，为历代所崇尚。
This is one of the guiding principles in the implementation of the Zhou rites, as was recorded in The Book of Rites, a Confucian classic. The rituals were so cumbersome at the time that even the nobility found it difficult to observe them strictly. The commoners, mostly poor and busy earning their livelihood, were incapable of affording the money and energy needed to fulfill the numerous ceremonial requirements. Therefore, it was stipulated that observation of the rites not be mandatory for common people. It was only used to inspire them towards self-improvement. Although the Zhou rites had long since become history, the spirit of benevolence and tolerance shown in this principle was upheld in the ages that followed.
引例 Citations：
◎礼不下庶人，刑不上大夫。（《礼记·曲礼上》）
礼制的施行向下不涉及普通百姓，刑法的施行向上不涉及大夫一级的贵族官员。
The common people are not bound by official ceremonial rites, while highranking officials are not subject to penal statutes. (The Book of Rites)
◎凡所谓礼不下庶人者，以庶人遽其事而不能充礼，故不责之以备礼也。（《孔子家语·五刑解》）
但凡所说礼不下庶人，是因为普通百姓忙于生计，不能很好地学习和掌握礼规，所以不能要求他们有完备的礼仪。
It is said that the common people are not bound by ceremonial rites. Since they are too busy earning their livelihood to fully learn to practice the rituals, they are not obliged to observe the whole set of rules. (Sayings of the School of Confucius)
◎礼不下庶人，欲勉民使至于士。（《白虎通义·五刑》）
礼不下庶人，意在激励普通百姓努力进取向士看齐。
The common people are not bound by ceremonial rites. In this way, they are encouraged to learn and become scholars. (Debates of the White Tiger Hall)
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供稿：北京外国语大学 外语教学与研究出版社
责任编辑：钱耐安
