Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms (Vol. 79)

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Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 8: Ritual Systems of the Sovereign

[The following preparations take place] to the right of the outer gate, facing south. On the day of the ceremony, those in charge of the event rise early. They set up the ritual basin term: "xi," a specific basin used for the ritual washing of hands to ensure spiritual purity. to the southeast of the eastern staircase term: "zuo jie," the "primary" or "host's" staircase on the east side of the hall..

Its east-west position is aligned with the eastern balustrade For those of the sixth rank and below, it is aligned with the eastern eaves. Its north-south position is determined by the depth of the hall. The water jar is placed to the east of the basin, with a ladle and a cover added. A basket is placed to the southwest of the basin, containing one towel and covered with a cloth.

Mats are laid out inside the eastern room, beneath the western window If there is no room available, a curtain is hung to create a temporary space. The ritual garments are arranged on the mats, with the collars facing east and the top-most garments placed toward the north. Four mats made of cattail are laid down, with four fine reed mats original: "zao xi," mats decorated with water-weed patterns, used for formal seating. placed on top of them toward the south.

Beside these, the wine jars and vessels containing the sweet wine are placed to the north of the garments, equipped with ladles and covers. A stand is set up For those of the fourth rank and below, a basket is used instead of a stand to the north of the wine vessels. The ritual food offerings are then arranged to the north of this stand.

A second washing station is set up in the eastern room toward the north. The water jar is placed to the west of the basin, and the basket is placed to the northeast of the basin, containing a towel.

At dawn, the Guest of Honor and the Assistant arrive outside the Sovereign's main gate. The Master of Accommodations leads them to their designated waiting area. The Guest of Honor and the Assistant wear their official court robes; all other officials and participants wear their respective ceremonial attire Those of the sixth rank and below who do not possess official court robes wear their everyday formal attire.

Those responsible for holding the wine vessels, water jars, and baskets all take their assigned positions. Each of the ritual caps The ceremony involves three successive cappings with different styles of headwear, representing increasing levels of responsibility. is held by one person from the ancestral temple; they wait to the west of the western staircase, facing east, arranged in order from north to south. Finally, the seat for the Sovereign is prepared.