This paper is intended to reflect on the essence of Confucianism by inquiring into hibernal rites and festivals of ancient China. Although this study limits itself to winter rituals, since these rituals were meant to harmonize the natural order of Heaven, earth, and man, they show us the essence of Confucian ritual culture, which emphasized conduct that is attuned to time and place. In ancient China, the winter began when the Son of Heaven went to the north of the capital and held a ceremony to welcome winter in the first week of the first winter month, thus spreading the hibernal air across the world. The various offerings and festivals that took place during the rest of winter were rituals of gratitude to all beings in the universe, people and their ancestors, for their efforts toward agriculture. At the same time, these were rites of regeneration in which people and ancestors alike were sent back to their homes to recuperate and thus prepare for the next year. Through the rite of the winter solstice and purification, the Son of Heaven awakened the life force that was enveloped by darkness. At the end of winter, an exorcist (Fangxiangshi 方相氏) wearing an inside-out bearskin on which four golden eyes were painted went around the houses dancing a bear dance to expel the cold energy and prepare for spring.