Treatise on Military Preparedness, Volume 117: Logistics — Record of Military Sacrifices

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The Sequence of the Main Sacrifice

Sacred Music is played. The music begins, then pauses. The Master of Ceremonies original: 贊 (zan); the official who calls out the ritual steps. and the Guide original: 引 (yin); the official who physically leads the presiding officer through the space. lead the participants in four prostrations. Assistant sacrificial officials perform these alongside the leader. The Master of Rituals announces the Presentation of Silk.

The First Offering

The First Offering is performed. Soft music is played. The attendants carry the ritual silk and the wine chalice forward. The Guide leads the Presiding Official to the front of the divine tablets. After the offering is presented, the Guide leads the official to the position for reading the prayer. The Master of Ceremonies commands everyone to kneel. The music stops.

Once the reading of the prayer is finished, the music resumes. The Master of Ceremonies commands everyone to prostrate, then rise and stand straight. The official is led back to his original position, and the music stops.

The Second and Final Offerings

The Master of Rituals announces the Second Offering. Music is played. The attendants carry the wine chalice, and the Guide leads the official to the divine tablets. Once the offering is complete, the music stops.

The Master of Rituals announces the Final Offering. The ritual protocol is the same as the Second Offering. The Master then announces the Drinking of the Blessing and the Receiving of the Sacrificial Meat This "communion" signifies that the spirits have accepted the offering and are now sharing their favor with the worshippers.. The remaining steps follow the standard ritual protocol.

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The Invocatory Prayer

The text of the prayer is as follows:

"On this [Year], [Month], [Day], the Emperor dispatches the [Rank and Name of Official] to offer this sacrifice to:

• The Great General of the Banner-Head.
• The Great General of the Six Standards Six Standards original: 六纛 (liudao); the massive, tufted banners that served as the focal point of a 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..."