Capping Ceremony for a Prince of the Blood

Three days before the event, the various officiating officers shall practice the rituals at their respective ministries. On the designated day, the order is transmitted.

On the Day of the Imperial Decree, the Delegated Official Carries the Staff of Authority to Perform the Rituals

First, beforehand, the Office of Ceremonial Guard sets up the Prince's Residence in the Eastern Wing. Curtains and screens are arranged, and a threshold mat original: "kunru," a specialized mat used for kneeling or marking ritual boundaries is placed within the wing. Furthermore, curtains are hung within the wing. The Bureau of Ceremonies assigns the officials in charge of assisting the ceremony and proclaiming the Imperial Admonitions original: "chijie," formal moral instructions issued by the Emperor to the Prince.

These officials stand in order at positions slightly to the east of the Prince's Residence, facing west. The Nine-Tasseled Crown, the Crown of Winged Goodness, the Crimson Gauze Robe, and other garments are prepared, along with a netted hair-cap original: "wangjin," a mesh cap used to secure the hair before putting on a crown and a golden hairpin—these two items are each placed in boxes to await the arrival of the bearer of the Staff of Authority original: "jie," a ceremonial staff signifying the bearer acts with the Emperor's direct power.

The officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Bureau of Ceremonies announce the start of the rite. The Prince comes out to meet them outside the gate. The Master of Ceremonies guides the Prince as the Staff of Authority is carried into the Prince's Residence and placed in the center of the courtyard.

As the music begins, the Master of Ceremonies assists the Prince as he proceeds to the incense altar. After four bows are completed, the officials from the Ministry of Rites and others announce that the Prince should proceed to the Capping Mat, facing southwest.

An inner attendant stands by his side. The music stops. The Usher leads the Guest the elder honored to perform the capping and the Assistant in order to the ceremonial ewer and basin original: "leixi," ritual vessels for washing hands to ensure spiritual purity. Music begins again. They insert their tablets original: "jinhu," the practice of tucking the ritual ivory tablet into the belt to leave the hands free and wash their hands. The music stops. Two General Heralds face each other east and west on the open terrace. The Capping Mat is situated in the Eastern Wing.