Uigwe are royal protocols created for important royal ceremonies from the
Joseon dynasty, which adopted Confucianism as the official state philosophy.
During the Joseon era, uigwe helped to preserve and pass down the traditions
and practices for such ceremonies.
It is through these uigwe that deeper appreciation of court life in Joseon is
possible. All stages of royal life are captured by uigwe including birth, investi-ture,
wedding, coronation, and funerals. Uigwe also record the activities of the
royal family such as banquets and feasts, receiving of foreign envoys, plowing
and spinning, archery competitions, and the construction of buildings.
Notably, uigwe are dedicated to making detailed records of life events.
Along with the list of participants and the size of articles used, uigwe even
record details such as the list of those involved in the production of uigwe and
the return of articles left unused after the events, thereby making it possible to
recreate these royal ceremonies today.