Collected Statutes of the Dynasty: Volume 68, Protocol and Control 3

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Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier

Dagger-   Dagger-   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Feathered
axe     axe                               Canopy
Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   The "Feathered Canopy" (Yubao) and "Yak-tail Banners" (Maochuang) are ancient symbols of authority dating back to the Han dynasty.

Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding
Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff

original: "Zhuque chuang." The Vermilion Bird is the guardian of the South. Its presence indicates this section of the procession represents the southern direction in the symbolic microcosm of the Emperor's court.

Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding   Sounding
Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff     Staff
The "Sounding Staffs" (Xiangjie) were ritual bamboo or metal staffs that made a noise when struck or shaken, used to signal the pace of the march and command silence from the crowds.

Dagger-   Dagger-   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Halberd   Feathered
axe     axe                               Canopy

Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Yak-tail   Banner

Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier   Soldier