During the same period, no mandarin may hold office, but must retire into private life; though the observance of this rule is often dispensed with in the case of high officials whose presence at their posts may be of considerable importance.

In such cases, by special grace of the emperor, the period of retirement is cut down to three months, or even to one.
The death of an emperor is followed by a long spell of national tribulation.

For one hundred days no man may have his head shaved, and no woman may wear head ornaments.

For twelve months there may be no marrying or giving in marriage among the official classes, a term which is reduced to one hundred days for the public at large.

The theatres are supposed to remain closed for a year, but in practice they shut only for one hundred days.