Treatise on Military Preparations, Volume 45

Page 3

The Inspection of Sacrificial Animals

One ox, one sheep, and one pig are to be prepared. The "Inspection of Animals" (Shengxing) was a vital preliminary rite to ensure the purity and health of the offerings before they were presented to the gods.

The Arrangement of the Seven Divine Seats

The ritual space is arranged for seven divine entities, all facing South:

• The Great General of the Banner-Head.
• The Great General of the Six Standards Six Standards original: 六纛 (liudao); massive hair-tufted banners representing the commander's authority..
• The Gods of the Flags of the Five Directions.
• The Presiding Deities of the Warships.
• The Gods of the Gongs, Drums, Horns, Hand-Cannons, and Cannons.
• The Gods of the Bows, Crossbows, Flying Spears, and Flying Stones.
• The Deities of the Front and Rear of the Battle Formations, and the gathered assembly of the Wuchang The Wuchang are fierce, martial spirits often invoked in local and military rituals to drive away malevolent forces and ensure victory..

Ritual Offerings and Vessels

For the sacrifice, the following are to be provided:
One calf, one sheep, and one pig. One deng deng A ceramic vessel used for holding sacrificial meat broth., two bian bian Bamboo baskets used for dry offerings like fruits or seeds., ten each of fu and dou fu and dou Square and round vessels used for grain and sauces, respectively., and two each of fu and gui gui Another type of round grain vessel..

Seven bolts of ritual silk are provided two in black and five in white, set out together. There are three wine vessels, three libation cups, thirty wine bowls, and one basket. These are placed to the southeast of the altar, facing West. A table for the Ritual Invocations Ritual Invocations original: 祝文 (zhuwen); the written prayers read aloud and then burned to communicate with the spirits. is placed to the West of the altar.

The Main Sacrifice

The ritual proceeds as follows:
The Ritual Guides lead the Offering Official to the ablution station to perform the ceremonial washing of hands. The Music Office Music Office original: 教坊司 (jiaofang si); the state institution responsible for training musicians and performers for court and ritual events. begins to play. The Master of Ceremonies calls out the commands, and the various Attending Officials each perform their designated duties. The Ritual Guides prompt the official to take his position. The Master of Ceremonies then calls out to begin the "Welcoming of the Spirits."