Treatise on Military Preparations, Volume 45

Civil Officials to the East, Military to the West; All Face North

On the day of the Main Sacrifice, at early dawn, the Ivory Banners and the Six Great Standards Six Great Standards (Liu Dao): Massive regimental banners, often decorated with ox tails or feathers, symbolizing the supreme authority of the military commander and the protection of war deities. are erected behind the spirit tablet; the banners are placed to the east and the standards to the west.

The Emperor dons the Military Cap Dress Military Cap Dress (Wubianfu): A specific ceremonial uniform consisting of a red robe and a leather cap, worn by the Ming Emperor for military rituals or when reviewing troops.. The escorting officials, together with the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices The Minister (Taichangqing) was the high-ranking official responsible for overseeing state rituals, sacrifices, and court music., lead the Emperor through the left southern gate to his designated position.

The Master of Ceremonies calls out to "Welcome the Deities," and the Great Music original: 大樂 (dayue); the solemn, ancient style of music used exclusively for imperial state ceremonies. begins to play. The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices requests the Emperor to bow. As the music plays, the Minister prompts the sequence of movements: "Bow, rise, bow, rise, and straighten the body." Then the music ceases. The Assistant Ceremonialist performs the same duties.

The Master of Ceremonies calls out for the Presentation of the Ritual Silk Silk was a primary offering in imperial rites, symbolizing purity and high value. and the commencement of the Rite of First Offering.

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices requests the Emperor to proceed to the Ablution Station original: 盥洗位 (guanxi wei); a specific location where the officiant performs ritual hand-washing to ensure spiritual cleanliness before touching sacred objects.. Upon reaching the station, the Emperor tucks away his ritual tablet Jin Gui: The act of inserting the jade ritual tablet into the sash or belt to leave the hands free for washing or handling sacrificial vessels., performs the washing and drying of his hands, and then retrieves the tablet.

The Minister then requests the Emperor to proceed to the Station for Washing the Libation Cups. The Emperor again tucks away his tablet. The official in charge of the cups steps forward and presents a cup. The Emperor receives the cup, washes it, and wipes it clean. He then hands it back to the official. A second cup is handled in the same manner. The Emperor retrieves his tablet and is requested to proceed to the station for the wine vessels. He tucks away his tablet once more, and the official in charge of the cups presents a cup while the Officer of the Wine Vessels original: 司尊者 (sizhunzhe); the official responsible for the ritual wine containers....