📖 Meaning
A peaceful diplomatic conference between states in the Spring and Autumn period, so called because delegates attended in ceremonial civil robes rather than armor. It is contrasted with 兵车之会, assemblies backed by military chariots. The term highlights civility, restraint, and mutual trust between the parties.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the Gongyang tradition's commentary 《谷梁传·庄公二十七年》, which records Duke Huan of Qi, the first hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period. The text states that there were eleven such 衣裳之会, and that no blood-drinking covenant (歃血之盟) was ever needed at them, attributing this to the depth of mutual good faith. Under Duke Huan's leadership, the feudal lords met in civil dress without armed escorts, and their word alone sufficed — a model of diplomacy over force.
💡 Example Usage
齐桓公以衣裳之会协和诸侯，未动干戈而天下归心。
Duke Huan of Qi won the allegiance of the feudal lords through peaceful diplomatic assemblies, winning hearts across the realm without ever resorting to arms.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 衣裳之会
- Pinyin: yī shāng zhī huì
- Literal Translation: garments, of, meeting
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4