Instructions for the Offerings at the Altars of the Four Associates

For each of the Four Associate positions, sacrificial items are to be arranged upon the altar. Additionally, a small side-table is to be placed in front of each altar to hold incense, candles, and the ritual silk for the offering.

Three Jue original: "爵" (Jue). Ancient three-legged wine vessels used to present libations during the three stages of the ceremony. containing wine are to be presented during the first, second, and third offerings.

One Deng original: "登" (Deng). A high-stemmed ceramic vessel. contains the Great Broth original: "大羹" (Dageng). A primitive, unseasoned meat broth representing ancient simplicity..

Two Xing original: "鉶" (Xing). A ritual soup tureen with a lid. contain the Seasoned Broth original: "和羹" (Hegeng). A broth flavored with seasonings to contrast with the Great Broth..

To the left, six Bian original: "籩" (Bian). Bamboo baskets used for dry offerings like fruits and dried meats. contain:

• Salt
• Fried fish with grain
• Dates
• Chestnuts
• Water caltrops
• Dried venison

To the right, six Dou original: "豆" (Dou). Stemmed bowls used for wet offerings like pickles and sauces. contain:

• Pickled greens
• Pickled celery
• Pickled bamboo shoots
• Minced venison sauce
• Minced rabbit sauce
• Minced fish sauce

One Fu original: "簠" (Fu). A rectangular vessel with a cover used for holding broomcorn millet. contains broomcorn millet.

One Gui original: "簋" (Gui). A round vessel with a cover used for holding foxtail millet. contains foxtail millet.

One Fei original: "篚" (Fei). A bamboo basket for holding silk. contains the ritual silk:

• One length of white silk, measuring one zhang and eight chi Approximately 18 feet in traditional Chinese measurements..

The sacrificial animals—one sheep and one pig—are each divided into four portions and placed on square trays before the four positions.