Music had multiple implications in ancient China, from “pepping up the soldiers” to “governing the state”, from “showing off prestige” to “worshipping deities and ghosts”, al had to do with music. In “appreciating music” and “playing music” the ancient Chinese stressed the integration of “rites” and “recreation”. “Rites and music” was a compound term in ancient China, though it is rarely so regarded in modern days. In ancient China, Music referred generally to various forms of art, including independent music, poetry, songs and dance. Rites signified the moral code of Chinese culture inclusive of hierarchy, rites, protocols, and ethics. Even though rites and music had different conceptions, the ancient Chinese were accustomed to blending the two into one, because they had consistent functions. Though originally music was related to recreation, yet it was also related to ethical teaching in ancient China.
How was music related to ethical teaching? The classical “Records of Music” stated: “Music grows from the 
mind. When there are sentiments in the mind, they are expressed in sounds. When sounds are well arranged they are music.” That is to say, music is a carrier of sentiments. The ancient Chinese elaborated furthermore on music considering that music infiltrates deeply into the mind and affects people quickly. Therefore, the early rulers promoted music. “When music is fair, the people are harmonious. When the music is unbiased, the people are united. When the people are harmonious and united, the troops are strong and the cities are well defended, and enemy countries are afraid to invade.” The “Records of Music” also stated “The sagacious rulers’ delight in music. Music affects the people and betters their customs. The early rulers guided the people with rites and music and the people are harmonious.” So, for the rulers, music is not a pure form of art, but is a means for politics and ethical teaching. But the ancient Chinese valued too the calming effects of music. “A calm mind makes one virtuous.” (“Zuo Chronicle”) Calming the mind signifies moulding a person’s temperament. The integrity of recreation, temperament moulding and ethical teaching was the aesthetic concept of music of the ancient Chinese.
