Sancong side三從四德[Three Obediences and Four Virtues] is a set of moral principles and social code of behavior for maiden and married women in East Asian Confucianism, especially in ancient and imperial China.
Sancong is documented in Liji 禮記 [Book of Rites], which means women were to obey their fathers when they are unmarried, obey their husbands when married, and obey their sons when their husbands died.
Side are standards elaborated by female Chinese historian Ban Zhao 班昭 [49–120 CE], which refers to
- Fude 婦德 [womanly virtue]: Exhibit tranquility (you幽 [/ qing 清]), unhurried composure (xian 閒/閑), chastity (zhen 貞), and quietude (jing 靜). Safeguard the integrity (jie 節) of regulations. Keep things in an orderly manner. Guard one’s action with a sense of shame. In movement and rest, it is always done in proper measure.
- Fuyan 婦言 [womanly speech]: Choose words [carefully] (ze ci擇辭) when speaking. Never utter slanderous words. Speak only when the time is right; then, others will not dislike one’s utterances.
- Furong 婦容 [womanly bearing]: Wash (guan wan盥浣) clothes that are dusty and soiled, and keep one’s clothing and accessories always fresh and clean. Bathe regularly, and keep one’s body free from filth and disgrace.
- Fugong 婦功 [womanly work]: Concentrate on one’s weaving and spinning. Love no silly play nor laughter. Prepare wine and food neatly and orderly to offer to the guests.
In this context, sancong is used as a byword for father.
