三衅三浴 — “To show the utmost reverence and respect”

三衅三浴 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to show the utmost reverence and respect”. Often through elaborate ancient rituals involving repeated bathing and anointing with fragrance. Literally, “three anointings, three baths”.

Frequency

三衅三浴 Pronunciation and Pinyin

三衅三浴 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
三	sān	3	the number three
衅	xìn	11	anoint, rift, or provoke
三	sān	3	the number three
浴	yù	10	to wash or bathe

Example Sentence with 三衅三浴

为了表达对这位德高望重的老教授的敬意，学生们以三衅三浴的盛情迎接他莅临指导。

To show their profound respect for the venerable old professor, the students greeted his arrival for guidance with immense solemnity and warmth, akin to the ancient ritual of 'san xin san yu'.

Origin and Story of 三衅三浴

During the Spring and Autumn period, the state of Qi experienced internal conflict, forcing princes Xiaobai and Jiu to seek refuge abroad.

Later, Prince Xiaobai returned to ascend the throne, becoming Duke Huan of Qi. His advisor, Bao Shuya, urged Duke Huan to set aside past grievances and appoint Guan Zhong as his prime minister.

Eager to achieve hegemony, Duke Huan personally went to the outskirts of the capital to welcome Guan Zhong, performing the solemn 'san xin san yu' ritual, which involved repeated bathing and anointing with fragrance as a sign of supreme respect.

With Guan Zhong's assistance, Duke Huan successfully rose to become one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period.