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卷七十三 志第二十四: 祭祀二

Volume 73 Treatises 26: Offerings 2

Chapter 73 of 元史 · History of Yuan
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Offerings, Part Two ○ The ritual prescriptions for the lower division of suburban sacrifice are organized into ten sections:
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殿殿 殿西 殿 殿輿殿 宿 宿 祿
The first section is purification and fasting. Seven days before the rite, the emperor keeps preliminary purification for four days in a side hall and rigorous purification for three days—two in the Daming Hall and one in the Great Tent—while the relevant offices cease submitting documents on criminal penalties and legal matters. On the eve of rigorous purification, the Director of the Palace Provisioners erects the emperor's curtained pavilion in the west wing of the Daming Hall, oriented to the east. At daybreak on the day of rigorous purification, the guard commands post their units at the gates with arms drawn up in formation. When the day water-clock reaches the first quarter after filling begins, the Herald of Affairs escorts the civil and military officials of fourth rank and above who attend the sacrifice, all in formal court dress, to the side hall to receive the emperor. At the second quarter of the day clock, the Palace Attendant submits a board memorial requesting the inner vigil, and the emperor puts on the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe. At the third quarter of the day clock, the Palace Attendant announces that outer preparations are complete; the emperor secures his girdle ornaments, leaves the side hall, and rides in the imperial carriage with canopy, parasol, and fan bearers as in ordinary ceremony. He is led to the curtained pavilion in the Daming Hall, where he sits facing east with ministers attending on either side as usual. After roughly a quarter of an hour, the Palace Attendant advances, kneels, and says, "Your servant So-and-so respectfully asks that Your Majesty descend to begin purification," then prostrates himself and rises. The emperor steps down from the seat, enters the inner chamber, and the vigil is relaxed. The officials assigned to the sacrifice each return to their departments, and the night guards remain on duty as usual. All officials who serve at the sacrifice take the oath of purification at the Secretariat, keeping preliminary purification for four days and rigorous purification for three. The troops guarding the ritual enclosure gates and the musicians of the Great Music Office all keep a single night of strict purification. The Director of the Imperial Household uses the yang fire-mirror to kindle sacred fire for cooking and the fangzhu vessel to draw sacred water to fill the ritual wine containers.
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The second section is announcement to the associated spirit. Two days before the rite, the Acting Grand Commandant and officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ritual Protocol Office proceed reverently to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and, with a single-offering ceremony, announce the suburban sacrifice to the shrine of Emperor Taizu, Sagely Martial Emperor Who Complied with Heaven and Initiated the Dynasty's Fortune. At the yin hour, the Grand Commandant and his party, in court dress, enter by the eastern side gate of the Southern Spirit Gate, advance to the south side of the cross street, and take their places facing north. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow"; the Ritual Usher relays, "Bow the body," "Bow," "Rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Stand at ease." He then calls, "Each take your assigned place." The Ritual Usher steps before the Grand Commandant and says, "Please go to the ablution station," then leads him there, calling out in turn: "Wash the hands," "Dry the hands," "Go to the goblet-washing station," "Rinse the goblet," "Wipe the goblet," "Go to the wine vessels," "Pour the wine," "Go before the spirit seat," "Stand facing north," "Advance slightly," "Insert the tablet," "Kneel," "Offer incense," "Offer incense again," "Offer incense a third time," "Receive the silks," "Place the silks," "Take the goblet," "Pour the libation," "Pour the libation," "Pour the libation three times." After the libation is poured into the sand basin, he calls, "Read the prayer text." The official who holds the prayer tablet inserts his tablet, kneels, and faces the prayer board. The Prayer-Reading Official kneels and reads the prayer to the end; the Prayer-Holding Official sets the prayer board on the table, takes up his tablet, and rises; the Prayer-Reading Official prostrates himself and rises. The Ritual Usher calls, "Withdraw the tablet," "Prostrate and rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Stand at ease," "Return to your place." The Directors of Ritual Vessels and of Fine Wine descend with him, return to their places, and stand facing north. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow"; after the Ritual Usher relays the double bows, the Grand Sacrificer carries the prayer silks down the main steps to the distant burial pit. The Grand Commandant and his party all go to the pit, burn and bury the offerings, then leave in order through the eastern side gate of the Southern Spirit Gate.
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殿 輿輿 輿輿 西西 輿 輿 輿輿 輿 使
The third section is the imperial procession leaving the palace. On the eve of the sacrifice, the responsible offices prepare the ceremonial escort and inner and outer guards. Officials of the sacrifice form two ranks outside the Chongtian Gate; the Minister of the Imperial Stud holds the imperial horse outside the Daming Gate; attending ministers and the twenty-four carriage guides wait in divided ranks to left and right before the purification hall. The Herald of Affairs leads the Palace Attendant forward to request the inner vigil; the attendant prostrates himself and rises. The emperor puts on the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe. Shortly after, the Palace Attendant announces that outer preparations are complete; the emperor leaves the purification chamber and takes his seat. After the ministers have saluted, the Director of the Imperial Carriage brings forward the carriage; the Palace Attendant asks that the emperor mount, with canopy, parasol, and fan bearers as in ordinary ceremony. The carriage guides lead him to outside the Daming Gate; the Palace Attendant steps before the carriage, kneels, and asks that the emperor dismount and take a horse; the guides walk on either side to lead the way. The Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat kneels to request departure, prostrates himself and rises, then goes ahead calling for the road to be cleared. At the Chongtian Gate, the Vice Director asks for a brief halt and orders all officials to mount; the Palace Attendant receives the edict and announces, "So ordered"; the Vice Director relays, "All officials mount"; the herald repeats, "All officials go out beyond the Lattice Star Gate and mount." The Vice Director requests departure and again goes ahead calling for the road to be cleared. Canopy, parasol, ceremonial guards, and officials lead on either side; the Music Office band and drums and horns remain silent. At the southern Lattice Star Gate of the suburban altar, the Palace Attendant relays the decree, "All officials dismount"; the herald repeats, "All officials dismount." After all have dismounted, the officials and ceremonial guards withdraw northward in reverse order of rank, from lowest to highest, and stand in two ranks. When the imperial procession reaches the Lattice Star Gate, the Palace Attendant asks the emperor to dismount, enter on foot through the western side gate, and proceed slightly westward. The Palace Attendant asks that the emperor mount the carriage again. The Director of the Imperial Carriage presents the carriage; canopy and parasol attendants follow as in ordinary ceremony. The carriage guides lead the emperor in the carriage to before the Great Tent; the Palace Attendant asks him to dismount. The emperor dismounts, enters the Great Tent, and takes his place; the curtain is lowered and guards stand watch as prescribed. The Herald of Affairs receives the edict and orders all officials to return to their purification quarters. After the Director of Imperial Food Service has served the meal, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol presents the prayer document for the emperor's signature; when this is done, it is brought out, received by the Director of Suburban Sacrifice, and each copy placed on its altar stand.
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西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西
The fourth section is arrangement of furnishings. Three days before the rite, the Director of the Palace Provisioners erects the Great Tent north of the road at the western gate of the outer enclosure, facing south. The Small Tent is set south of the road outside the western gate of the inner enclosure, facing east. Yellow ceremonial mats and cushions are laid from the Great Tent to the Small Tent, and also at the tablet stations and on the altar platform. The responsible offices post military guards in full arms and regalia at the enclosure gates, with two officers assigned to each gate. Outside the eastern, southern, and western Lattice Star Gates of the outer wall, troops are posted to clear the streets; each unit's banners and dress match the color of its assigned direction. Pedestrians are barred within two hundred paces of the altar. On the eve of the sacrifice, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice leads his staff in cleaning the altar platform above and below. The Director of the Great Music Office leads his staff in setting up the elevated hymn musicians on the altar, slightly to the south and facing north; and positions the suspended palace orchestra and the two ritual dances outside the inner enclosure's southern gate, south of the altar, as prescribed. The Master of Ceremonies sets the emperor's tablet station before the Small Tent, facing east; the emperor's blessing-drinking station on the altar west of the noon stairway, and the secondary and final offering blessing-drinking stations east of the noon stairway—all facing north. Tablet stations are also set below the altar, behind the imperial station and slightly to the south, for officials of the secondary and final offerings, assisting offerers, the Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat and those below—all facing east in separate double ranks, with the northernmost rank highest in precedence. Positions are also set to the east for the Minister over the Masses, the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and their subordinates, facing one another with the north as the place of honor, all as in ordinary ceremony. Censors charged with enforcing ritual order are posted outside the eastern and western gates of the two enclosures, standing opposite one another. The emperor's ablution and goblet-washing stations are set inside the inner enclosure's southern gate, on the west side of the path, facing north. The secondary and final offering ablution and goblet-washing stations are set outside the inner enclosure's southern gate, on the west side of the path, facing north. Stations for inspecting the sacrificial animals and offerings are set as in ordinary ceremony. At the second quarter after the wei hour, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice and the Director of the Astrological Service, both in court dress, ascend the altar and set the seat of August Heaven, Supreme Thearch, in the north of the platform, facing south, with a straw mat as the base and the divine mat, cushion, and throne placed upon it. The associated spirit's seat is set in the west of the platform, facing east, with a rush mat as the base and the divine mat, cushion, and throne placed upon it. The azure jade disk for honoring the spirit is laid on its silk wrapping; green silks are placed in baskets; silks for the principal seat together with the jade for the fire offering are set at the wine-vessel station. After the announcement that all is pure, they temporarily withdraw the furnishings. On the day of the sacrifice, before the chou hour, the furnishings are set out anew. Attendants load firewood onto the fire altar and set out platters, stands, grain vessels, wine vessels, gourd goblets, meat trays, and altar tables, all as in ordinary ceremony.
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祿 退 西 西 祿西 退 祿 殿
The fifth section is inspection of sacrificial animals and vessels. At the second quarter after the wei hour on the eve of the sacrifice, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice again cleans the altar above and below; the Directors of Ritual Vessels and the Master of Ceremonies lead the Sacrificial Offerings Bureau to bring in the ritual vessels and set them in place. The Director of Suburban Sacrifice leads attendants in placing the jade for honoring the spirit before the spirit seat. At the third quarter after wei, the Director of Imperial Victims, with all Grand Sacrificers and Prayer Scribes, bring the sacrificial animals into position; Ritual Ushers lead the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Vice Director of the Imperial Household, the Sacrifice Overseers, Ritual Overseers, and Directors of the Imperial Kitchen to the inspection station, where they take their places. A Ritual Usher leads the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Sacrifice Overseers, and Ritual Overseers in through the northern side gate of the eastern enclosure, up the mao stairway onto the altar, to inspect the washing of vessels. The Director of Ritual Vessels kneels, lifts the cover, and announces, "Pure." When the announcement of purity is complete, all return to their places. The Ritual Usher steps forward and says, "Please inspect the sacrificial animals." The Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices steps forward; when the inspection is finished, he withdraws to his place. Next the Director of Imperial Victims is led around the animals once; turning westward he bows at the waist and announces, "Sufficient." When the announcement is complete, he returns to his place. All Grand Sacrificers together make one circuit of the animals and return to their places. One official steps forward from the rank, turns westward, bows at the waist, and announces, "Plump." When the announcement is complete, he returns to his place. The Ritual Usher leads the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Vice Director of the Imperial Household, Directors of the Imperial Kitchen, Sacrifice Overseers, and Ritual Overseers to the offering-inspection station, where they stand facing one another, east and west. The Ritual Usher asks the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to finish inspecting the offerings; when done, he withdraws to the purification quarters. The Director of Imperial Victims, with all Grand Sacrificers and Prayer Scribes, lead the animals in order to the kitchen and hand them over to the Director of the Imperial Kitchen. Next the Director of the Imperial Household, Sacrifice Overseers, and Ritual Overseers are led to the kitchen to inspect the cauldrons and observe the washing; when finished, they return to the purification quarters. At the first quarter after the shen hour, the Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads butchers to slaughter the animals with the sacred knife; each Prayer Scribe collects blood and hair from the left ear into a dish and places the animal's head on a tray, (A horse's head is used.) all of which are placed in the offering hall; the animals are then cooked. The Minister of Justice attends to supervise the addition of water and the cooking.
7
西
The sixth section is rehearsal of the rites. At the third quarter after wei on the eve of the sacrifice, offering officials and all attendants don their ritual robes and rehearse the ceremony in the open ground southwest of the outer enclosure. Furnishings, music frames, ritual vessels, and other equipment follow the same arrangement as on the day of the ceremony.
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祿 退 殿 使 使使 使 西殿使 使 使 使 使 使 西 殿 殿 使 使 西使 使退 殿 使西 使 殿 退
The seventh section is presentation of jade and silks. Five quarter-marks before the chou hour on the day of the sacrifice, the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices lights candles at the spirit seats; the Directors of the Astrological Service and of Suburban Sacrifice don their ritual robes, ascend, and set the seats of August Heaven and the associated spirit; attendants arrange jade and silks in baskets and place them at the wine-vessel station. The Minister of Rites places the prayer document on the table. The Director of the Imperial Household leads his staff in filling the baskets, dishes, square and round vessels, and wine vessels according to the prescribed arrangement. Prayer Scribes place the tray bearing the victim's head on the altar, while the Director of the Great Music Office leads two dance companies of performers to their assigned places. Ritual Ushers separately escort the Sacrifice Ritual Overseer, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice, all attending officials, and the Purification Attendants to their places. A Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice Ritual Overseer in inspecting the altar above and below, then withdraws and returns to his place. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice." The Ritual Usher relays the command; after the Sacrifice Ritual Overseer and all below have bowed twice, he calls again, "Each take your assigned place." The Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads the Purification Attendants out to the offering hall and waits outside the gate; Ritual Ushers separately escort the Acting Grand Commandant, the Minister over the Masses, and other officials to their places; The Seal-and-Treasure Attendant presents the imperial regalia and sets it out beside the court ensemble, wherever the ground allows. As the Grand Commandant is about to enter, a Ritual Usher leads the Ritual Erudite, who in turn leads the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol; the two stand facing each other before the Great Tent. The Palace Attendant submits a board memorial requesting the inner vigil, and the emperor puts on the great fur robe and coronation regalia. The Palace Attendant announces that outer preparations are complete; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol kneels and says, "Your servant So-and-so, Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, asks that the Emperor perform the rite," then prostrates himself and rises. (Whenever a memorial is presented, both men kneel, and one announces it.) The curtain is raised and the emperor leaves the tent; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol leads the way, with canopy, parasol, and fan bearers as in ordinary ceremony. At the western enclosure gate, the Director of the Palace Attendants presents the great scepter; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to take it, and the emperor does so. The canopy, parasol, and fans remain outside the gate. Attending officials and the Commissioner of Grand Rites follow the emperor through the gate, and the court ensemble begins to play. He is asked to go to the Small Tent, sets down the scepter, and the music stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol and his party take their places to left and right. After a short interval, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol announces, "All responsible offices report readiness; we ask that the ceremony begin." The spirit-descent music begins—the six-part suite 《Completion of Heaven》. The Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices leads Prayer Scribes carrying the horse head to the blaze mound, raises the smoke offering, then returns to their places. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol kneels and asks the emperor to go to the tablet station, then prostrates himself and rises. The emperor leaves the tent, takes up the great scepter as requested, goes to the station, stands facing east, and bows twice. The emperor bows twice; the Master of Ceremonies calls, and all officials complete their double bows; the official bearing the jade and silks kneels, takes them from the basket, and stands at the wine-vessel station. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks that the ceremony proceed. He then leads the way; the court ensemble plays as they enter through the western side gate of the southern enclosure, go to the ablution station, and stand facing north; the music stops. He tucks the great scepter in his belt and washes his hands. The pitcher-bearer pours water from the pitcher; the basin-bearer holds the basin to catch it; the towel-bearer presents the towel and steps forward. After washing and drying his hands, he takes up the great scepter; music begins as he reaches the noon stairway, then stops. He ascends the steps; the elevated hymn begins; he reaches the altar platform, and the music stops. The court ensemble plays 《Music of Reverent Completion》; the Director of the Palace Attendants presents the regalia scepter, (Two Directors of the Palace Attendants attend—one holding the great scepter, the other the regalia scepter.) The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to tuck the great scepter in his belt, take up the regalia scepter, and go before the seat of August Heaven Supreme Thearch, standing to face north. A palace attendant first lays a colored mat on the ground; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to kneel and set the regalia scepter on the mat. The official bearing the jade and silks adds jade to the silks and gives them to the Palace Attendant, who kneels facing west and presents them; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks that the jade and silks be placed. After the placement is complete, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to take up the great scepter; he prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, and bows twice. The emperor completes his double bow, rises, and stands at ease. A palace attendant takes the regalia scepter and gives it to the Director of the Palace Attendants, then places the colored mat base before the associated spirit seat. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol leads the way and asks the emperor to go before the seat of Emperor Taizu, stand facing west, and place the regalia scepter and silks in the same manner as before; the music stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol leads the way and asks the emperor to return to the tablet station. The elevated hymn begins; he descends the steps, and the music stops. The court ensemble plays; the Director of the Palace Attendants takes the regalia scepter and colored mat base and gives them to the attendants. The emperor reaches the tablet station, stands facing east, and the music stops. He is asked to return to the Small Tent and set down the great scepter. Prayer Scribes present the fur-and-blood dishes. They ascend the noon stairway to present at the principal seat and the mao stairway to present at the associated seat. Each Grand Sacrificer receives the offerings and places them before the spirit seat; all then withdraw and stand at the wine-vessel station.
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殿 使 西 退 西 西 西 退 西 使 使 西 退 使 退 使 使
The eighth section is presentation of offerings. After the emperor has placed the jade and silks and returned to his station, Prayer Scribes take the fur-and-blood dishes and descend; a Ritual Usher leads the Minister over the Masses and the Director of the Imperial Kitchen, who lead Purification Attendants carrying the offerings in through the main gate and up onto the altar as in ordinary ceremony. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol kneels and asks that the rite proceed, then prostrates himself and rises. The emperor leaves the tent, and the court ensemble begins to play. He is asked to take up the great scepter; his guide leads him in through the western side gate of the main gate to the ablution station, where he stands facing north; the music stops. He tucks the scepter in his belt and washes his hands as before. He takes up the scepter, goes to the goblet-washing station, stands facing north, and tucks the scepter in his belt. The goblet-bearer kneels, takes the gourd goblet from the basket, and gives it to the Palace Attendant, who presents it to the emperor; the emperor receives the goblet. The jar-bearer pours water to rinse the goblet; the towel-bearer presents a towel to wipe it dry; the Palace Attendant then receives the goblet and gives it to the goblet-bearer. He takes up the scepter; music begins as he reaches the noon stairway, then stops; He ascends the steps; the elevated hymn begins; he reaches the altar platform, and the music stops. He goes to the wine-vessel station of the principal seat, stands facing east, and tucks the scepter in his belt. The goblet-bearer presents the goblet, and the emperor receives it. The Libation Vessel Director lifts the cover; the Palace Attendant announces the pouring of diluted sacrificial wine from the Grand Libation Vessel. He gives the goblet to the goblet-bearer and takes up the scepter. The court ensemble plays 《Bright Completion》. He is asked to go before the seat of August Heaven Supreme Thearch, stand facing north, tuck the scepter in his belt, kneel, and offer incense three times; the Palace Attendant kneels and presents the goblet to the emperor. He takes the goblet, pours the libation three times, and gives the goblet to the Palace Attendant. The Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen fills the goblet with fermented mare's milk and gives it to the Palace Attendant, who kneels and presents it to the emperor. He takes the goblet and again pours the libation three times, (At present grape wine and kumiss from the Imperial Fermented Beverages Office are each libated once, for three libations in all.) He gives the goblet to the Palace Attendant, takes up the scepter, prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, and stands. The prayer is read; the official who holds the prayer tablet inserts his tablet, kneels, and raises the prayer document; the Prayer-Reading Official kneels facing west and reads the prayer text; when he finishes, he prostrates himself and rises. The official who holds the prayer tablet sets the prayer on the table and asks that the emperor bow twice. The emperor completes his double bow, rises, and stands at ease. He is asked to go to the wine-vessel station of the associated seat and stand facing west. The Libation Vessel Director lifts the cover; the Palace Attendant announces the pouring of diluted sacrificial wine from the Secondary Libation Vessel. He gives the goblet to the goblet-bearer and takes up the scepter. He is asked to go before the seat of Emperor Taizu and stand facing west. The court ensemble begins to play. The Palace Attendant calls for tucking the scepter in the belt and kneeling, offering incense three times, pouring the libation three times and kumiss; when this is done, he calls for taking up the scepter; the emperor prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, and stands. The official who holds the prayer tablet raises the prayer; the Prayer-Reading Official kneels facing north and reads the prayer text; when he finishes, he prostrates himself and rises. After the prayer board is set in place, he asks that the emperor bow twice. The emperor completes his double bow, rises, and stands at ease. The music stops. He is asked to go to the blessing-drinking station and stand facing north; the elevated hymn begins. Each Grand Sacrificer pours blessing wine from the superior libation vessel into a goblet, combines them into one goblet, and gives it to the Palace Attendant, who presents it facing west. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to bow twice; the emperor bows twice and rises. He asks the emperor to tuck the scepter in his belt and kneel to receive the goblet. He pours a libation and sips the wine, then gives the goblet to the Palace Attendant, who kneels and presents warmed wine. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to receive the goblet. After the emperor has drunk the blessing wine, the Palace Attendant takes the empty goblet, rises, and gives it to the Grand Sacrificer. The Grand Sacrificer also cuts sacrificial meat from before the spirit seat, places it on the stand, and gives it to the Minister over the Masses. The Minister over the Masses kneels facing west and presents the stand to the emperor, who receives it and passes it to attendants on either side. He asks the emperor to take up the scepter; the emperor prostrates himself and rises, stands at ease, and steps back slightly. He asks the emperor to bow twice; when the emperor has finished bowing, the music stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol leads the way back to the tablet station. The elevated hymn begins; he descends the noon stairway, and the music stops. The court ensemble plays; he reaches his station, stands facing east, and the music stops. He is asked to return to the Small Tent and, upon arrival, sets down the scepter. The civil dancers withdraw and the martial dancers enter; the court ensemble plays 《Harmonious Completion》, then stops. A Ritual Usher leads the secondary and final offering officials up the mao stairway; they perform the rite as usual, except they do not read the prayer—all receive blessing wine but are given no sacrificial meat stand. They descend the mao stairway and return to their places. The Ritual Usher calls for the Grand Sacrificers to remove the platters and stands. The elevated hymn begins with 《Peaceful Completion》; when the removal is complete, the music stops. The Master of Ceremonies calls for the presentation of sacrificial meat; all officials bow twice, and all those present do likewise. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol asks the emperor to go to the tablet station; leaving the tent he takes up the scepter, reaches the station and stands facing east, and bows twice. The emperor bows twice. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the herald relays, "All those present bow twice." The spirit-dispatch music begins—the first movement of 《Completion of Heaven》—then stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol announces that the rite is complete and leads the emperor back to the Great Tent. The court ensemble plays; the music stops as he passes through the gate; at the Great Tent he sets down the scepter.
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The ninth section is the blaze-gazing rite. After the emperor has returned to the Great Tent, a Ritual Usher leads the Acting Grand Commandant, Sacrifice Ritual Overseers, and their party to the blaze-gazing station. Each Grand Sacrificer carries a basket to the spirit seat, collects the jade for the fire offering, prayer silks, sacrificial meat stand, millet and glutinous grain, rice dishes, and goblet wine, descends by the assigned stairway to the fire mound, and places the prayer silks and offerings on the firewood. The Ritual Usher calls, "Burn half the firewood"; then calls, "The rite is complete." The Acting Grand Commandant and all below withdraw. A Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice Ritual Overseer, Prayer Scribes, Grand Sacrificers, and others from the south side of the mound to stand facing north. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the Sacrifice Ritual Overseer and all below finish bowing twice and then withdraw.
11
輿 輿退 退 輿 退宿宿
The tenth section is the imperial procession's return to the palace. After the emperor has returned to the Great Tent, the Palace Attendant asks that the vigil be relaxed. The emperor removes his coronation robes and regalia and remains in the Great Tent. After roughly five quarter-hours, the responsible offices ready the imperial procession escort and take their places in order outside the Lattice Star Gate, with the north as the place of honor. The Palace Attendant submits a board memorial requesting the inner vigil; the emperor changes into the Tongtian crown and crimson gauze robe. Shortly after, the Palace Attendant announces that outer preparations are complete; the emperor leaves the tent and mounts the carriage; the guides lead the way, with canopy, parasol, and fan bearers as in ordinary ceremony. At the Lattice Star Gate, the Minister of the Imperial Stud presents the imperial horse as prescribed. The Palace Attendant advances to ask the emperor to dismount from the carriage and take his horse; the Minister of the Imperial Stud holds the bridle; the Vice Director asks that the procession depart, then prostrates himself, rises, and withdraws. The imperial procession sets out, and the road-clearance cry is sounded. At the Lattice Star Gate, the Vice Director kneels and says: "We ask for a brief halt; order all officials to mount." The Palace Attendant receives the edict and announces, "So ordered"; the Vice Director relays the decree; the herald repeats it. After all officials have mounted, the guides together with canopy and parasol bearers lead on either side. The Vice Director kneels to request departure, then prostrates himself and rises. The imperial procession sets out, and the road-clearance cry is sounded. The Music Office band, drums, and horns strike up. When the procession reaches the Chongtian Gate and Lattice Star Gate, the Vice Director kneels and asks for a brief halt and orders all officials to dismount; the Palace Attendant receives the edict and announces, "So ordered"; the Vice Director prostrates himself and rises, withdraws to relay the decree; the herald repeats it. After all officials have dismounted, they are led in from left and right; together with the ceremonial guards they withdraw northward in reverse order and take their places. The procession enters through the Chongtian Gate to outside the Daming Gate; the emperor dismounts and re-enters in the carriage. Once inside, the Herald of Affairs receives the edict ordering all officials to withdraw; the palace guards post their watch as prescribed.
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The ceremonial procedures for a substituted sacrifice are organized into nine sections:
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西 西 西 祿使祿 西 西 西 宿 退退 宿 宿
The first section is purification and fasting. At daybreak five days before the rite, the Master of Ceremonies leads the Ceremonial Guard Bureau in setting tablet stations for offering officials and all attendants at the Secretariat. The stations for offering officials and attendants are all spread with mats and topped with purple silk cushions. The Acting Grand Commandant, as first offering official, is stationed on the front hall steps, slightly to the west, facing southeast. Two Investigating Censors—one on the central walk, slightly north on the west side, facing east; one on the central walk, slightly north on the east side, facing west. Two Ritual Supervision Erudites, each beside a censor, with the north as the place of honor. South of these are the stations for the secondary offering official, final offering official, and Acting Minister over the Masses. Then come the assisting offerers; then the Grand Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and Director of the Imperial Household; then the Director of the Astrological Service, Minister of Rites, and Minister of Justice; then the jade-bearer, silk-bearer, prayer-reader, Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and Commander of the Palace Guard Direct Command; then the Vice Directors of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Imperial Household, the Directors of the Imperial Kitchen, Fine Wine, and Ritual Vessels and Libations; then the Director of Sacrificial Animals, Prayer-Holding Official, and Goblet-Bearer; then the Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen and the ablution, goblet-washing, and basket-and-towel officials; then the Candle-Trimming Official; and finally the Sacrifice-Attending Officials. Ritual Ushers are posted on left and right in separate watches, facing one another east and west. On the west, four ranks of tablet stations are set, all facing north with the east as the place of honor: the Director of Suburban Sacrifice, Director of the Great Music Office, Grand Sacrificer, and Prayer Scribe, then the Purification Attendants. On the east, four ranks of tablet stations are set, all facing north with the west as the place of honor: the Vice Director of Suburban Sacrifice, Vice Director of the Great Music Office, Pitch-Pipe Master, and Master of Ceremonies, then the Purification Attendants and Director of the Bureau of Celestial Music. Ritual Ushers escort the offering officials and all attendants to their assigned places. Offering officials and attendants all wear court dress; those of fifth rank and above wear their own robes, while those of sixth rank and below all borrow purple robes. The supervising clerk of the Ritual Directorship steps forward and stands to the Grand Commandant's right, reading the oath aloud: "On such-and-such year, month, and day, when sacrificing to August Heaven Supreme Thearch at the Circular Mound, each shall perform his duty; if any is not reverent, the state has fixed punishments." During three days of preliminary purification they lodge in the principal quarters; during two days of rigorous purification they lodge at the sacrifice site. On days of preliminary purification they carry on ordinary business, but do not pay condolence calls or inquire after the sick, make music, approve documents on punishments and executions, pass judgment on offenders, or engage in anything foul or unclean. On days of rigorous purification only sacrificial business is permitted; everything else is forbidden. Whenever an official assigned to the sacrifice has begun purification but is absent, another shall substitute for him in performing the rite. When the reading is finished, he steps forward slightly and calls, "Officials of seventh rank and below withdraw first"; then calls, "Bow facing one another"; the Grand Commandant and the remaining officials all bow twice and withdraw. All who attend the sacrifice receive wine and food from the state on the night of rigorous purification. The troops guarding the ritual enclosure gates and the musicians of the Great Music Office all keep a single night of strict purification.
14
The second section is announcement to the associated spirit. Two days before the rite, the first offering official and officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ritual Protocol Office proceed reverently to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, announce the sacrifice at the principal shrine of Emperor Taizu, and immediately return to the purification quarters.
15
輿 西輿輿 輿殿
The third section is receiving the incense. Two days before the rite, Hanlin Academicians go to the Ministry of Rites to write out the prayer text, and officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ritual Protocol Office assemble there as well. When the writing is finished, the text is placed with due solemnity and cleanliness in the public office. At daybreak on the eve of the sacrifice, offering officials and all attendants below wear court dress; the Minister of Rites leads his staff bearing the prayer board, and together with officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ritual Protocol Office proceeds to the palace court, gives the prayer board to the Grand Commandant, and requests the imperial signature; when this is done, they escort the incense and wine out beyond the Chongtian Gate. The incense is placed in the carriage, the prayer on the incense table, and the imperial wine on the carriage pavilion—all covered with gold brocade. Officials from the Grand Commandant downward mount in turn; the Road-Clearing Official leads capital officials ahead of the ceremonial guard; patrol soldiers of the Horse-and-Arms Bureau follow with spears and banners lining the road; gold drums and horns come next; the capital magistrate's escort forms ranks on either side to lead the way; attending officials march in two ranks east and west outside the ceremonial guard; the Ceremonial Phoenix Bureau plays music; Ministry of Rites officials inspect the formation; officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Ritual Protocol Office guide before the incense carriage; then the Crane Controllers bear the carriage and table forward; the Grand Commandant and other officials follow to the sacrifice site. The carriage and table enter through the southern Lattice Star Gate; attending officials enter through the left and right side gates; the imperial incense and prayer board are installed in the Incense Hall.
16
西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西 西西 西 西 西 西 西 西 退 退 西 西 西 西 使祿使祿西 西 西 西 西 西 使祿祿 使西 西 殿 使祿西 西 西 西 西 西 殿 西
The fourth section is arrangement of furnishings. Three days before the rite, the Privy Council posts military guards in full arms and regalia at the enclosure gates, with two officers at each gate, and stations troops outside the eastern, southern, and western Lattice Star Gates of the outer wall to clear the streets; each unit's banners and dress match the color of its assigned direction. Pedestrians are barred within two hundred paces of the altar. On the eve of the sacrifice, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice leads his staff in cleaning the altar platform above and below. The Director of the Great Music Office leads his staff in setting up the elevated hymn musicians on the altar, slightly to the south and facing north. One frame of paired stone chimes stands in the west, and one frame of bells in the east. Those who strike the bells and chimes all have stools to sit on. The Director of the Great Music Office is stationed east of the bell frame, facing west. The Pitch-Pipe Master is stationed west of the stone chime frame, facing east. Banner-bearers stand behind. One stands north of the bell frame, slightly to the east. One stands north of the stone chime frame, slightly to the west. Two clappers—one in the north, one in the north. Eight singers are arrayed to left and right of the noon stairway, seated facing one another east and west, with the north as the place of honor; all who sit are spread with mats topped with felt. Two each of one-, three-, five-, seven-, and nine-string zithers; four se; two yue flutes; two chi; two di; two xiao; four nest sheng; four he sheng; one intercalary gourd pipe, one Nine Luminaries gourd pipe, and one Seven Stars gourd pipe; and two xun—all set separately on the music couches east and west of the noon stairway. The zithers and se are arrayed separately in the north, all seated facing north; the gourd and bamboo instruments stand behind the zithers and se in two double ranks, all facing north with heads opposite one another. The circular palace suspended orchestra is also set south of the altar, outside the inner enclosure's southern gate. On the east and west, paired stone chimes begin from the north, with bell chimes next. On the south and north, paired stone chimes begin from the west, with bell chimes next. Twelve bo bells are also set among the suspended chime sets, each placed according to its celestial station. At each station the paired stone chimes stand on the left and the bell chimes on the right—called one disposition. Each side has three stations, nine frames in all; on all four sides, thirty-six frames. The Jin drum is set east of the central street within the suspended ensemble, slightly to the south and facing north. Thunder drums, single hand drums, and double hand drums, two of each, are placed within the northern suspended ensemble on either side of the central street; four pillar-mounted thunder drums stand at the four corners—all with the pi drum on the left and the ying drum on the right. Within the northern suspended ensemble are four ranks of singers. Two inner ranks stand east of the central street, and two ranks west of it. Eight persons in each rank, thirty-two in all, standing facing one another east and west, with the north as the place of honor. One stands in the east, one in the west—all south of the singers. The Vice Director of the Great Music Office is stationed outside the northern suspended ensemble, east of the central street, facing west. The Pitch-Pipe Master is stationed west of the central street, facing east. Banner-bearers stand behind; the chief conductor with the baton stands in the east and the assistant chief in the west—both north of the singers. Two music masters stand opposite one another south of the singers. Two score keepers stand opposite one another south of the music masters. Two torchbearers stand opposite one another south of the score keepers; on the day of the rite they take separate posts above and below the altar, regulating when the music begins and ends. Twenty-seven zithers are placed within the eastern and western suspended ensembles: three one-string zithers—one in the east, two in the west—all in the first rank; Six each of three-, five-, seven-, and nine-string zithers stand in four ranks east and four west, three players per rank, all seated facing north. Twelve se, six in the east and six in the west, form their ranks and sit behind the zithers. Ten nest sheng, ten xiao, and one intercalary gourd pipe stand in the east; one Seven Stars gourd pipe and one Nine Luminaries gourd pipe—all beside the yu sheng. Ten yu sheng, ten yue flutes, ten chi, eight xun, and ten di—each type in its own rank—stand separately east and west of the central street, all facing north; civil-dance stations are also set before the northern suspended ensemble, with four marker poles planted east of the central street between the dance ranks. Two civil-dance masters bearing ceremonial staffs to lead the dance, and two banner-bearers, stand apart outside the dancers' ranks. The dancers form eight companies of eight—sixty-four in all—holding yue flutes in the left hand and pheasant feathers in the right; divided into four companies on each side, they stand east and west of the central street, all facing north. The martial dance is also arranged, with waiting stations outside the eastern and western suspended ensembles. Two martial-dance masters with ceremonial staffs, two standard-bearers, and twenty instrument-bearers—including two single hand drums, two single bells, two paired bells, two metal nao, two zheng, two metal chun, four frame-clapper bearers, two chun supporters, two phase drums, and two ya drums—stand apart outside the eastern and western suspended ensembles. The dancers match the civil-dance count—shields in the left hand, battle-axes in the right—four companies on each side, standing outside the instrument-bearers. When the civil dance withdraws from the outer station, the martial dance advances from within and takes the civil dancers' places; only the instrument-bearers remain standing apart outside the dancers. The civil dance likewise withdraws to the martial dance's waiting stations. The Director of the Astrological Service and the Director of Suburban Sacrifice, both in court dress, lead their staffs up the altar to set the seat of August Heaven, Supreme Thearch, in the north of the platform, facing south; A straw mat forms the base, with cushion and throne placed upon it; the bi disk is laid on its silk wrapping, silks are set in baskets, and the wine-vessel station is prepared. The seat of the Imperial Earth Spirit is set slightly east on the altar, in the north and facing south; A straw mat forms the base, with cushion and throne placed upon it; jade is laid on its silk wrapping, silks are set in baskets, and the wine-vessel station is prepared. The associated spirit's seat is set in the east of the platform, facing west; A rush mat forms the base, with cushion and throne placed upon it; the bi disk is laid on its silk wrapping, silks are set in baskets, and the wine-vessel station is prepared. Nine seats—the Five Directional Emperors, Sun, Moon, Celestial Thearch, North Pole, and the rest—are set on the altar's first tier; Cattail mats serve as seats, and jade silks are placed before each spirit seat. Fifty-four inner-official seats are placed on the round altar's second tier, one hundred fifty-nine middle-official seats on the third tier, one hundred six outer-official seats within the inner enclosure, and three hundred sixty star seats outside the inner enclosure—all on cattail mats, each with green silks at the head of the spirit seat, all facing inward. After the announcement that all is ready and pure, the first-tier jade silks are temporarily removed and set out again before the chou hour on the day of the rite. Attendants load firewood onto the blaze mound and set out reed torches east and west. Two torch-bearers stand east and two west, all in purple robes. The Master of Ceremonies leads the Ceremonial Guard Bureau in setting tablet stations for offering officials and all attendants below them, and places the three offering officials' stations south of the road outside the inner enclosure's western gate, facing east with the north as the place of honor. Behind them come the assisting-offering stations, set slightly back; then separate-offering officials for the first through third tiers and separate-presentation officials for the fourth and fifth tiers; then the Directors of Suburban Sacrifice, the Imperial Kitchen, Fine Wine, Imperial Victims, and Ritual Vessels; then the Vice Director of Suburban Sacrifice, Prayer-Reading Official, Prayer-Holding Official, officials bearing the bi, silks, and goblets, the Grand Sacrificer, hand-washing and goblet-washing officials, the cloth-and-basket official, and Prayer Scribes; and finally the Purification Attendants. Each tier occupies separate double ranks, all facing east with the north as the place of honor. The Acting Minister over the Masses is stationed south of the road outside the inner enclosure's eastern gate, facing the secondary offering official. South of them stand the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, Director of the Imperial Household, Associate Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Ritual Protocol Office, Director of the Astrological Service, separate-offering and separate-presentation officials, Administrative Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Ritual Protocol Office, Commander-in-Chief of the Direct Imperial Guard, Associate Administrative Judge of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Ritual Protocol Office, and Vice Director of the Imperial Household—all facing west with the north as the place of honor. Two Investigating Censors—one north of the road outside the inner enclosure's western gate, facing east; The other north of the road outside the inner enclosure's eastern gate, facing west. Two Erudites, each beside a censor, with the north as the place of honor. The Master of Ceremonies is stationed slightly south on the altar, east of the noon stairway, facing west; The Director of Ritual Vessels stands at the wine-vessel station, facing north. An outlook-blaze station is also set north of the blaze mound, facing south. The victim placard is set outside the outer enclosure's eastern gate, slightly to the south and facing west; The Grand Sacrificer and Prayer Scribes stand behind the victims, all facing west. The victim-inspection station is set north of the animals; the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, Director of the Imperial Household, Director of the Imperial Kitchen, and their vice directors stand north of it—the Director of the Imperial Kitchen and those below are placed slightly back. The Sacrifice Overseer and Ritual Overseer stand west of the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, slightly back and facing south. The Director of Imperial Victims is stationed southwest of the victims, facing north. An offering-inspection station is also set north of the victims and south of the offering hall. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol and the vice directors of the Imperial Household and Imperial Kitchen stand in the east, facing west; The Sacrifice Overseer and Ritual Overseer stand in the west, facing east; All with the north as the place of honor. The Sacrificial Offerings Bureau arranges the three principal and associated seats, each with twelve platters on the left and twelve stands on the right, all in four rows. Three grand vessels, three xing vessels, and two each of square and round grain vessels stand between the platters and stands. The grand vessel stands before the spirit, the xing vessel before it, the square vessel on the left and the round vessel on the right before the xing vessel—all spread with mats. One meat tray bearing the victim's head is set in the center; Seven meat trays of ox, sheep, and pig are placed next. One incense table, one sand pool, and one goblet pedestal stand before the meat trays. One prayer table is set to the right of the spirit seat. For the two Heaven-and-Earth seats, two Great Vessels, two Display Vessels, two Sacrificial Vessels, and two Mountain Vessels are also set in the southeast of the altar—all facing north with the west as the place of honor. For the associated seat, two Display Vessels, two Sacrificial Vessels, two Image Vessels, and two Mountain Vessels are also set east of the two wine-vessel stations—all with pedestals, covers, and ladles; only the dark water has a cover but no ladle, with the north as the place of honor. Three vessels of mare's milk are placed at the head of each wine-vessel station, each with cover and ladle. Two baskets for jade silks are also set west of the wine-vessel station, with the north as the place of honor. Two Image Vessels, two Jar Vessels, and four Mountain Vessels for the principal seat are also set west of the noon stairway on the altar. Wine vessels for the Imperial Earth Spirit, matching those of the principal seat, are also set east of the noon stairway—all facing north with the west as the place of honor. For the associated seat, two Sacrificial Vessels, two Jar Vessels, and four Mountain Vessels are also set north of the you stairway, facing east with the north as the place of honor—all with pedestals and covers but no ladles; they are displayed but not filled. Each of the nine first-tier seats receives eight platters on the left and eight stands on the right, one grand vessel between them, one square and one round grain vessel before the grand vessel, one meat tray, and one goblet and pedestal before the grain vessels. Each seat has two Great Vessels and two Display Vessels to the spirit's left—all with pedestals, ladles, and covers—plus one sand pool and one basket for jade silks. Each second-tier spirit also receives two platters, two stands, one square and one round grain vessel, one grand vessel, and one meat tray before its seat. Between each pair of stairways stand two Image Vessels, with one goblet, pedestal, sand pool, and silk basket at the head of the central spirit seat. Each third-tier spirit also receives one platter, one stand, one square vessel, one round vessel, and one meat tray before its seat. Between each pair of stairways stand one Jar Vessel and two Goblet Vessels, with one goblet, pedestal, sand pool, and silk basket at the head of the central spirit seat. Spirits within the inner enclosure also receive one platter, one stand, one square vessel, and one round vessel before each seat. Between each pathway stand two General Vessels, with one goblet, pedestal, sand pool, and silk basket at the head of the central spirit seat. For the three hundred sixty star seats outside the inner enclosure, each spirit also receives one platter, one stand, one square vessel, one round vessel, and one meat tray before its seat. Between each pathway stand two Simple Vessels, with one goblet, pedestal, sand pool, and silk basket before the central spirit seat. From the first tier downward, gourd goblets are washed clean and placed on the pedestals. The principal and associated seats also receive one platter, one stand, one square vessel, one round vessel, and four meat trays each, together with one blood-and-hair stand and one tray bearing the victim's head. For the first-tier spirit seats as well, two meat trays per seat are set within the offering hall. Ablution and goblet-washing stations are also set below the altar, east of the mao stairway and facing north; the wine jar stands east of the basin with a ladle, the basket is displayed southwest of the basin and filled with cloths, the goblet-washing basket holds gourd goblets on pedestals. Ablution and goblet-washing stations for first-tier separate-offering officials, and ablution stations for separate-offering officials of the second tier and below, are also set to the left of each stairway—the wine jar to the basin's left, the basket to its right, all facing inward. In every case, stations for the Directors of Ritual Vessels and baskets are set behind the washing stations.
17
The fifth section is inspection of sacrificial animals and vessels; see the rites of personal sacrifice. The sixth section is rehearsal of the rites; see the rites of personal sacrifice.
18
祿 鹿 鹿 使西 使 退 殿 使祿祿 退 仿 使 西使 使 西退 退
The seventh section is presentation of jade and silks. Five quarter-marks before the chou hour on the day of the rite, the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices leads his staff in setting pillar candles at the four corners of the spirit seats, and lights candles above and below the altar and the inner and outer lamp offerings. The Director of the Astrological Service and the Director of Suburban Sacrifice don their ritual robes, ascend, and set the seat of August Heaven, Supreme Thearch, with straw matting and cushion as before. Attendants arrange jade and silks in baskets and place them at the wine-vessel station. The Minister of Rites places the prayer board on the table. The Director of the Imperial Household leads his staff in filling the platters, stands, and square and round grain vessels. The platters are arranged in four rows, with the right as the place of honor. In the first row, dried salted fish comes first, then puffed grain cakes and powdered rice cakes; In the second row, dried dates come first, then dried apricots and shaped salt; In the third row, dried venison comes first, then hazelnuts and dried peaches; In the fourth row, water caltrops come first, then gorgon seeds and chestnuts. The stands are arranged in four rows, with the left as the place of honor. In the first row, pickled celery comes first, then pickled bamboo shoots and pickled mallow; In the second row, pickled water shield comes first, then pickled leeks and cured meat; In the third row, fish paste comes first, then hare paste and pork ribs; In the fourth row, minced venison comes first, then minced meat sauce and scattered grain dish. The square vessel holds rice and millet, the round vessel broomcorn and panicled millet, and the grand vessel grand broth. The Director of Fine Wine leads his staff in filling the ritual vessels and wine jars. The Great Vessel holds primary fermentation brew, the Display Vessel sweet fermented brew, the Sacrificial Vessel thick fermented brew, the Image Vessel clarified fermented brew, and the Jar Vessel aged fermented brew; The Mountain Vessel serves as the lower vessel and is filled with dark water; All wine and fermented brews are replaced with court sacrificial wine. The Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen sets leather-bag mare's milk at the wine-vessel station. The Sacrificial Offerings Bureau stores incense in silver boxes and places them on the table together with earthenware censers. One Incense Official stands on the altar. Prayer Scribes place the tray bearing the victim's head on the altar. The offering officials and all attending officials below them don their ritual robes, go to their waiting stations, and assemble at the Formation Assembly Curtain. The Commander of the Palace Guard Direct Command leads the Crane Controllers; each dons his ritual robes, raises the ceremonial regalia, and stands in ranks east and west within the outer enclosure, behind the attending officials; The Commander of the Palace Guard also takes his place. The Director of the Great Music Office leads two dance companies of performers; they enter in order through the eastern side gate of the southern enclosure and take their places above and below the altar. The Master of Ceremonies enters first and takes his place. Ritual Ushers lead the Sacrifice Overseer Censor, Ritual Overseer Erudite, Directors of Suburban Sacrifice, the Imperial Kitchen, Fine Wine, and Imperial Victims, the Director of Ritual Vessels, the Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen, the prayer-reading and prayer-holding officials, the jade-and-silk bearer, Grand Sacrificers, Prayer Scribes, the goblet bearer, ablution and goblet-washing officials, the cloth-and-basket official, and Purification Attendants in through the eastern side gate of the southern enclosure to their stations. A Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice Overseer and Ritual Overseer to inspect the ritual vessels above and below the altar and correct any improprieties. During the inspection, Grand Sacrificers first remove the covers and veils; when the inspection is complete, a Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice Overseer and Ritual Overseer back to their places. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the Ritual Usher relays, "Bow"; the Sacrifice Overseer, Ritual Overseer, and all below bow twice. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Each take your place"; the Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads Purification Attendants out in order to the offering hall and waits standing outside the southern enclosure gate. Ritual Ushers lead the three-offering officials, the Minister over the Masses, assisting-offering officials, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, the Director of the Imperial Household, the Director of the Astrological Service, the Associate Administrative Director and Associate Administrative Judge of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Ritual Protocol Office, and the Vice Director of the Imperial Household in through the eastern side gate of the southern enclosure, passing within the court ensemble, to their stations. A Ritual Usher steps to the Grand Commandant's left and announces, "All responsible offices report readiness; we ask that the ceremony begin," then withdraws to his place. The court ensemble begins the spirit-descent music—the six-part suite 《Completion of Heaven》, with three sections in inner yuán-bell mode and one section each in yellow-bell angle, taicu zhi, and guxian yu. The civil dancers perform 《Dance of Honoring Virtue》. When the music first begins, the Pitch-Pipe Master kneels, prostrates himself, raises the baton, and rises; the musicians strike; he lowers the baton, and the music stops abruptly. All music starts and stops follow this same pattern. A Ritual Usher leads the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol and Prayer Scribes up the mao stairway onto the altar, then down the wu stairway bearing the victim's head; they pass through the main gate of the southern enclosure and within the court ensemble to the north side of the blaze mound and stand facing south. Prayer Scribes carry the victim's head up the southern stairway and place it on the firewood within the gate. Torch-bearers east and west kindle the firewood; when the smoke has risen and the victim's head is burned, a Ritual Usher leads the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol and Prayer Scribes carrying the tray of blood to the pit and buries it. A Ritual Usher leads the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol and the Prayer Scribes back to their places. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the Ritual Usher relays, "Bow"; the Grand Commandant and all below finish bowing twice; those who bowed first do not bow again. Attendants take the jade and silks from the baskets and stand at the wine-vessel station. A Ritual Usher leads the Grand Commandant to the ablution station; the court ensemble plays yellow-bell mode 《Lofty Completion》; he reaches his station and stands facing north, and the music stops. He inserts his tablet, washes and dries his hands, takes up his tablet, and proceeds to the altar; he ascends the wu stairway as the elevated hymn begins in da-lü mode with 《Lofty Completion》; he reaches the top of the altar, and the music stops. He goes before the principal spirit seat and stands facing north; the court ensemble plays yellow-bell mode 《Reverent Completion》; he inserts his tablet, kneels, and offers incense three times. An attendant adds a bi disk to the silks, kneels facing west, and presents them to the Grand Commandant; the Grand Commandant receives the jade and silks and places them before the principal spirit seat; he takes up his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, bows twice, and the music stops. Next he goes to the seat of the Imperial Earth Spirit and presents the offering in the same manner as before. Next he goes before the spirit tablet of the associated seat and places the silks in the same manner as before. He descends the wu stairway; the elevated hymn begins with the same music as when he ascended; he reaches his station, and the music stops. Prayer Scribes carry the fur-and-blood dishes in through the southern enclosure gate, proceed to the altar, and ascend the wu stairway. Grand Sacrificers receive them on the altar; all kneel and place them before the spirit seats; they take up their tablets, prostrate themselves and rise, then withdraw and stand at the wine-vessel station.
19
西 西 退 西 使 西 退 退
In the great suburban sacrifice of the third year of Zhida, the rite of presenting jade and silks differed slightly from what precedes; it is preserved here for cross-reference. Five quarter-marks before the chou hour on the day of the rite, the altar and first-tier spirit seats are prepared; jade and silks and bright candles are displayed, and the platters, stands, ritual vessels, and wine jars are filled. After the musicians have all taken their places, the Master of Ceremonies enters first and takes his station. Ritual Ushers lead separate-offering officials, the Sacrifice Overseer Censor, Ritual Overseer Erudite, all attending officials, Grand Sacrificers, Prayer Scribes, and Purification Attendants in through the eastern side gate of the central enclosure; south of the altar in double ranks ascending west, they stand facing north in formation. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the separate-offering officials and all below finish bowing twice; the Master of Ceremonies calls, "Each take your place." Ritual Ushers lead separate-offering officials for the zi, chou, yin, mao, chen, and si stairways to their tablet stations; they stand facing west, with the north as the place of honor; Separate-offering officials for the wu, wei, shen, you, xu, and hai stairways go to their tablet stations; they stand facing east, with the north as the place of honor. Ritual Ushers lead the Sacrifice and Ritual Overseers to inspect the arrangements above and below the altar, correct any improprieties, and withdraw to their places. The Director of the Astrological Service leads Purification Attendants out to wait. Ritual Ushers lead the three-offering officials and assisting-offering officials to their stations; they stand facing east, and the Minister over the Masses stands facing west. A Ritual Usher announces, "All responsible offices report readiness; we ask that the ceremony begin"; the six-part spirit-descent music stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol leads two Prayer Scribes carrying the horse head to the blaze mound; when the smoke has risen, they return to their places. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice, three offerings"; the Minister over the Masses and the others finish bowing twice; the Master of Ceremonies calls, "Attending officials each take your place"; they stand in formation. A Ritual Usher asks the first-offering official to go to the ablution station; music begins; he reaches his station, and the music stops. After ablution, he proceeds to the altar; music begins; he ascends the mao stairway; he reaches the altar, and the music stops. He goes before the principal spirit seat and stands facing north; music begins; he inserts his tablet and kneels; the Grand Sacrificer adds jade to the silks, kneels facing west, and presents them to the first offering official; the first offering official receives the jade and silks and places them; he takes up his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, bows twice, and the music stops. Next he goes before the associated spirit seat and stands; music begins; he presents the jade and silks in the same manner as before, and the music stops. He descends the mao stairway; music begins; he returns to his place, and the music stops. As the first offering official is about to present the silks at the principal seat, Ritual Ushers lead first-tier separate-offering officials to the ablution station; after ablution, they take up their tablets and each ascends by his stairway to each spirit seat, insert their tablets and kneel; the Grand Sacrificer presents the jade and silks to each separate-offering official; when the placement is complete, they prostrate themselves and rise, bow twice, and return to their places. As first-tier separate-offering officials are about to ascend, Ritual Ushers lead second-tier separate-offering officials within and outside the inner enclosure; after ablution, ablution officials follow to the wine-pouring station and stand ready; each ascends by his stairway to the chief seat of each spirit and presents—all in the same manner as before. They withdraw and stand at the wine-pouring station, waiting for the final offering to pour and present; they then go before the chief seat of each spirit to pour and present. Prayer Scribes carry the principal fur-and-blood dish up the wu stairway and the associated fur-and-blood dish up the mao stairway; Grand Sacrificers receive them on the altar and place them before the principal and associated spirit seats; Grand Sacrificers and Prayer Scribes all withdraw to the wine-vessel station.
20
鹿 殿祿 殿 退 退 西 退 退 退 西 退 退 退
The eighth section is presentation of cooked offerings. After the Grand Commandant has ascended and presented the jade and silks, the Director and Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen lead Purification Attendants bearing offerings to the kitchen; they set the sacrificial flesh on trays—five trays each of horse, cattle, sheep, pig, and deer—and cut the portions according to state ritual. Each pair carries them in procession to the offering hall, waiting for the Director of the Imperial Household to come out and fill the platters, stands, and square and round grain vessels. The platters hold powdered rice cakes, the stands scattered grain dish, the square vessel millet, and the round vessel panicled millet. Four senior Purification Attendants go first—those bearing platters, stands, and square and round grain vessels—with the tray-bearers following. Each bears the offerings for the principal and associated seats and stands in order outside the southern enclosure gate, waiting for a Ritual Usher to lead the Minister over the Masses out to the offering hall; Purification Attendants then bear their offerings in order, following the Minister over the Masses in through the main gate of the southern enclosure. The offerings for the associated seat enter through the side gate. The court ensemble plays yellow-bell mode 《Peaceful Completion》; reaching the foot of the altar, they wait until Prayer Scribes have brought in and removed the fur-and-blood dishes; they descend the mao stairway to exit. The Minister over the Masses leads Purification Attendants bearing the principal offerings to the altar and up the wu stairway; the Director and Vice Director of the Astrological Service lead Purification Attendants bearing the associated and first-tier offerings up the mao stairway; they stand in formation. The Master of Ceremonies calls for Grand Sacrificers to receive the offerings; Grand Sacrificers receive them between the altar and the stairway; Purification Attendants each kneel and place them before the spirit seats. Platters are set before the puffed grain cakes, stands before the pickled sauces, the square vessel before the rice, and the round vessel before the broomcorn. A tray of sacrificial flesh is also placed on the meat stand; Purification Attendants remove their tablets, prostrate themselves and rise, withdraw and stand in formation, and the music stops. A Ritual Usher leads the Minister over the Masses down the mao stairway; the Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads Purification Attendants following the Minister over the Masses down the mao stairway as well; each returns to his place. Offerings for the second tier through those outside the inner enclosure are arranged by the responsible offices. A Ritual Usher calls out; the Grand Sacrificer inserts his tablet, sets the thatch bundle in the sand pool, removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, and withdraws to his original station. A Ritual Usher leads the Grand Commandant to the ablution station; the court ensemble begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Lofty Completion》; he reaches his station and stands facing north, and the music stops. He inserts his tablet, washes and dries his hands, removes his tablet, and goes to the goblet-washing station, standing facing north. He inserts his tablet; an attendant presents a gourd goblet to the Grand Commandant; the Grand Commandant rinses and wipes the goblet clean and returns it to the attendant. The Grand Commandant removes his tablet, proceeds to the altar, and ascends the wu stairway, (One variant reads the mao stairway.) The elevated hymn begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Bright Completion》; he reaches the top of the altar, and the music stops. He goes to the wine-pouring station, stands facing west, and inserts his tablet; an attendant hands him the goblet; the Grand Commandant takes it; the Director of Ritual Vessels lifts the cover; the Director of Fine Wine pours primary fermentation brew from the Great Vessel; all cover-lifting and wine-pouring is done kneeling. He hands the goblet to the attendant. The Grand Commandant removes his tablet, goes before the principal spirit seat, and stands facing north; the court ensemble begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Bright Completion》; the civil dancers perform 《Dance of Honoring Virtue》. The Grand Commandant inserts his tablet, kneels, and offers incense three times. An attendant hands the goblet to the Grand Commandant; the Grand Commandant takes it and pours libation three times on the thatch bundle; he returns the goblet to the attendant, who bears it back to the wine-vessel station. The Vice Director of the Imperial Kitchen pours mare's milk into the goblet, kneels, and presents it to the Grand Commandant; he also pours libation three times on the thatch bundle; he again hands the goblet to the attendant, who receives the empty goblet and rises. The Grand Commandant removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, stands facing north, and the music stops. The Prayer-Holding Official inserts his tablet, kneels, and holds the prayer board facing outward; the Prayer-Reading Official inserts his tablet, kneels, and reads the prayer text. When the reading is finished, the Prayer-Holding Official places the board on the table, removes his tablet, and rises; the Prayer-Reading Official removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises; the court ensemble plays as before. The Prayer-Holding and Prayer-Reading Officials both go first before the seat of the Imperial Earth Spirit and stand facing north. The Grand Commandant finishes bowing twice, and the music stops. Next he goes to the seat of the Imperial Earth Spirit, all in the same manner as before, except the music is in da-lü mode. Next he goes to the associated seat, all in the same manner as before, except the music is in yellow-bell mode. He descends the wu stairway, (One variant reads the mao stairway.) The elevated hymn begins with the same music as the earlier spirit-descent music; he reaches his station, and the music stops. The Prayer-Reading and Prayer-Holding Officials descend the mao stairway and return to their places. The civil dancers withdraw and the martial dancers enter; the court ensemble begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Harmonious Completion》; they stand in formation, and the music stops. A Ritual Usher leads the secondary-offering official to the ablution station, where he stands facing north. He inserts his tablet, washes and dries his hands, removes his tablet, and goes to the goblet-washing station, standing facing north. He inserts his tablet, takes the goblet, rinses and wipes it clean, and hands it to the attendant. He removes his tablet, proceeds to the altar, ascends the mao stairway, and reaches the wine-pouring station on the altar, facing east (One variant reads facing west.) He stands. He inserts his tablet and receives the goblet; the Director of Ritual Vessels lifts the cover, and the Director of Fine Wine pours sweet fermented brew from the Display Vessel; he hands the goblet to the attendant. He removes his tablet, goes before the principal spirit seat, and stands facing north. The court ensemble plays yellow-bell mode 《Splendid Completion》; the martial dancers perform 《Dance of Establishing Merit》. He inserts his tablet and kneels, offers incense three times, receives the goblet, pours libation three times on the thatch bundle, again offers mare's milk as before, and hands the goblet to the attendant. He removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly and stands, finishes bowing twice, then goes to the seats of the Imperial Earth Spirit and the associated spirit, all in the same manner as before; the music stops; he descends the mao stairway and returns to his place. A Ritual Usher leads the final-offering official to the ablution station; he washes and dries his hands, goes to the goblet-washing station, receives the goblet, rinses and wipes it clean, and hands it to the attendant. He removes his tablet, ascends the mao stairway to the wine-pouring station, inserts his tablet, and receives the goblet; the Director of Fine Wine pours thick fermented brew from the Sacrificial Vessel, and he hands the goblet to the attendant. He removes his tablet, goes before the principal spirit seat, and stands facing north. The court ensemble begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Splendid Completion》; the martial dancers perform 《Dance of Establishing Merit》. He offers incense, pours libation, and presents mare's milk, all as in the secondary-offering rite, then descends the mao stairway. As the first and final offering officials are about to ascend the altar, Ritual Ushers lead first-tier separate-offering officials to the ablution station; they insert their tablets, wash and dry their hands, rinse and wipe the goblets clean, and hand them to attendants. They remove their tablets; each goes by his stairway to the wine-pouring station and inserts his tablet; an attendant hands a goblet to each separate-offering official; he takes it and pours primary fermentation brew from the Great Vessel, then hands the goblet back to the attendant. Each goes before the various spirit seats, inserts his tablet and kneels, offers incense three times and pours libation three times; he removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, steps back slightly, rises after bowing twice, descends, and returns to his place. As first-tier separate-offering officials are about to ascend the altar, Ritual Ushers lead second- and third-tier separate-offering officials and those for the star seats within and outside the inner enclosure to the ablution station; each inserts his tablet, washes and dries his hands, and pours and presents as above; when finished, Ritual Ushers lead the offering officials back to their places, and all attendants withdraw to theirs. The Ritual Usher calls on the Grand Sacrificer to remove the platters and stands. The elevated hymn begins in da-lü mode 《Peaceful Completion》; the Grand Sacrificer kneels and moves each platter and stand slightly back to its original place; when the removal is complete, he removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, and the music stops. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Presentation of sacrificial meat"; all officials bow twice; the Ritual Usher relays, "Bow"; all those present bow twice; they stand upright in formation. The spirit-dispatch court ensemble begins—the first movement of yuán-bell mode 《Completion of Heaven》—then stops.
21
使 使 西 退 退 使退
The ninth section is the blaze-gazing rite. A Ritual Usher leads the Grand Commandant, one assisting-offering official for the secondary offering, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, one Sacrifice Overseer, one Ritual Overseer, and others to the blaze-gazing station. He also leads the Minister over the Masses, the final-offering assisting-official, one Sacrifice Overseer, one Ritual Overseer, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, and other officials to the burial-gazing station. The music begins, playing yellow-bell mode 《Lofty Completion》; they reach their stations, stand facing south, and the music stops. Attendants above and below each carry a basket to the spirit seat and collect the jade for the fire offering, the prayer silks, and the prayer board. From the Sun and Moon upward, Purification Attendants carry sacrificial flesh and millet and glutinous grain on stands; each descends by his stairway, proceeds south, passes through the court ensemble, exits east, and goes to the blaze mound. They ascend the southern stairway and place the jade silks, prayer board, and food offerings inside the gate on the firewood. Attendants also bring the ritual silks for spirits of inner rank and below; all are sent to the blaze. The Ritual Usher calls, "The firewood may be burned"; torch-bearers east and west kindle half the firewood. Attendants also carry the Imperial Earth Spirit's jade silks, prayer board, sacrificial flesh, and millet and glutinous grain to the burial pit. When the burning and burial are complete, a Ritual Usher leads the Grand Commandant and officials below out in order through the eastern side gate of the southern enclosure; another Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice Overseer, Ritual Overseer, jade-and-silk bearers, Grand Sacrificers, Prayer Scribes, and Purification Attendants back to the south side of the altar to stand facing north. The Master of Ceremonies calls, "Bow twice"; the Ritual Usher relays, "Bow"; the Sacrifice Overseer, Ritual Overseer, and all below finish bowing twice; each withdraws. The Director of the Great Music Office leads two dance companies out in order. A Ritual Usher leads the Grand Commandant and all attending officials to stand before the Formation Assembly Curtain; the Ritual Usher calls, "The rite is complete"; all officials finish their salutations; each withdraws to his waiting station. The Grand Commandant and other officials, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, and the Sacrifice and Ritual Overseers inspect the sacrificial meat and wine and present them at the palace court; the remaining officials withdraw.
22
使祿 使 祿
The three-offering sacrificial announcement rite, established in the eleventh year of Dade. Three days before the announcement, the three-offering officials and all attending officials wear court dress and go to the Secretariat to receive the oath of purification. On the eve, at the second quarter after the wei hour, the sacrificial animals and vessels are inspected. At dawn on the day of the announcement, the three-offering officials and all attending officials don their ritual robes. A Ritual Usher leads the Sacrifice and Ritual Overseers and all attending officials in first to take their places and stand in formation. The Sacrifice and Ritual Overseers inspect the arrangements; when finished, they return to their places and stand in formation. The Director of the Imperial Kitchen leads the Purification Attendants out; a Ritual Usher leads the three-offering officials—the Minister over the Masses, the Commissioner of Ritual Protocol, and the Director of the Imperial Household—to their places, where they stand in formation. The Ritual Usher calls, "All responsible offices report readiness; we ask that the ceremony begin"; the spirit-descent music plays six sections and stops. The Commissioner of Ritual Protocol burns the victim's head, returns to his place, and stands in formation. The Master of Ceremonies calls for the three-offering officials and all below to bow twice and take their places. A Ritual Usher leads the first offering official to the ablution station; after washing his hands, he ascends the altar and goes before the seat of August Heaven Supreme Thearch, standing facing north. He inserts his tablet and kneels, offers incense three times, places the jade and silks, removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, finishes bowing twice, descends, and returns to his place. A Ritual Usher leads the first offering official to the ablution station; after washing his hands, he goes to the goblet-washing station, rinses and wipes the goblet clean, then goes to the wine-vessel station and pours wine; he is asked to go before the spirit seat of August Heaven Supreme Thearch, facing north; he inserts his tablet and kneels, offers incense three times, takes the goblet and pours libation three times on the thatch bundle; he removes his tablet, prostrates himself and rises, waits until the prayer reading is finished, bows twice, and stands upright. He is asked to go to the Imperial Earth Spirit's wine-vessel station; he pours and presents all as above; when everything is complete, he returns to his place. A Ritual Usher leads the secondary offering official through the same rite as the first offering, except that the prayer is not read; he descends and returns to his place. A Ritual Usher leads the final offering official through the same rite as the secondary offering; he descends and returns to his place. The Master of Ceremonies calls for the presentation of sacrificial meat; all officials bow twice, and all those present do likewise. A Ritual Usher leads the three-offering Minister over the Masses, the Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Director of the Imperial Household, the Sacrifice and Ritual Overseers, and other officials to the blaze-gazing station; they stand facing south in formation and wait for the jade silks and prayer board to be burned. The Ritual Usher calls, "The firewood may be burned"; the rite is complete.
23
宿 退
The single-offering sacrificial announcement rite, established in the twelfth year of Zhiyuan. Two days before the announcement, the Director of Suburban Sacrifice cleans the altar and enclosure inside and out, and Hanlin Academicians compose the prayer text. On the eve, the announcement officials, each in court dress, bear the prayer board and advance to request the imperial signature; when this is done, they escort the imperial incense and finest wine as in ordinary ceremony to the sacrifice site to keep purification vigil. Three quarters of an hour before dawn on the day of the announcement, a Ritual Usher leads the Director of Suburban Sacrifice and his staff to the altar to spread mats and arrange the offerings as prescribed. Two Ritual Ushers lead the announcement officials, each in purple robes, to their places in order, where they stand facing east in formation. The Ritual Usher steps forward slightly and says, "All responsible offices report readiness; we ask that the ceremony begin"; the intoner calls in turn, "Bow from the waist," "Bow," "Rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Stand upright." The Ritual Usher first leads the attending officials to their places; then he goes before the announcement officials and says, "Please go to the ablution and goblet-washing station." At the station he stands facing north; the intoner calls in turn, "Insert the tablet," "Wash the hands," "Dry the hands," "Rinse the goblet," "Wipe the goblet," "Remove the tablet," "Go to the wine-vessel station," "Insert the tablet," "Take the goblet," "The Director of Ritual Vessels lifts the cover," "Pour the wine." The Director of Fine Wine pours the wine; the intoner calls, "Hand the goblet to the attendant"; the announcement official hands the goblet to the attendant. The intoner calls in turn, "Remove the tablet," "Go before the spirit seats of August Heaven Supreme Thearch and the Imperial Earth Spirit, standing facing north," "Advance slightly," "Insert the tablet," "Kneel," "Offer incense," "Offer incense," "Offer incense three times," "Pour libation," "Pour libation," "Pour libation three times," "Hand the goblet to the Goblet-Bearing Official," "Remove the tablet," "Prostrate yourself and rise," "The Prayer-Holding Official kneels," "Hold the prayer board," "The Prayer-Reading Official kneels," "Read the prayer." When the reading is finished, the intoner calls, "The Prayer-Holding Official places the prayer board on the table," "Prostrate yourself and rise." The announcement official bows twice; the intoner calls, "Bow from the waist," "Bow," "Rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Stand upright"; the announcement officials and those below are led down to return to their places. The Ritual Usher calls, "Bow twice," "Bow from the waist," "Bow," "Rise," "Bow," "Rise," "Stand upright," "Go to the blaze-gazing station"; the prayer board is burned in a half-blaze; the announcement officials and all below withdraw. The burial pit is dug at the ren direction of the sacrifice site, square and deep enough to hold the offerings.
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