Sometimes, however, it is simplicity that is the mark of rank and respect. When the emperor conducts his ritual honoring Heaven, he wears a plain robe. The largest ceremonial jewels are left uncut, and soups offered in rituals are unseasoned.
禮文又有以「文采」為貴者，如天子的冠，有朱綠五彩的帽帶，並有 12 條垂旒（帽子前方的流蘇），諸侯只有 9 垂旒，大夫 7 旒；但又有以「素」為貴的，如皇帝祭天的禮服無文飾，最大的圭不加雕琢，大祭的羹湯不須調味等。