Layout Diagram for the Sacrificial Offerings for Each of the Four Associates

Spirit Tablet of Ancient Sage Zisi Spirit Tablet of Ancient Sage Yanzi Spirit Tablet of Ancient Sage Zengzi Spirit Tablet of Ancient Sage Mengzi These four figures, known as the "Four Associates," are the highest-ranking followers in a Confucian Temple, representing the transmission of the "Way."

Jue original: "爵" (Jue). A three-legged wine vessel with two small pillars on top, used for ritual libations. Jue Jue

Seasoned Broth

Shaped Salt original: "形鹽" (Xingyan). Salt molded into the shape of a tiger, a traditional ritual item. Broomcorn Millet

Great Broth original: "大羹" (Dageng). An unseasoned, pure meat broth reflecting primitive simplicity.

Foxtail Millet

Offerings on the right In traditional layout, these would be placed in bamboo baskets called Bian.

Water Caltrops Fried Fish with Grain

Chestnuts Dried Venison

Mutton

Offerings on the left In traditional layout, these would be placed in stemmed bowls called Dou.

Seasoned Broth

Pickled Greens Minced Venison Sauce

Pork

Pickled Celery Minced Rabbit Sauce

Pickled Bamboo Shoots Minced Fish Sauce

Candle Candle

Ritual Silk Invocation Prayer original: "祝" (Zhu). The text of the prayer to be read aloud during the ceremony.

Table

Writing Tablet Incense Candle