Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 8: Rites Section 8

According to the system of the Zhou Dynasty, whenever a school was first established, a Shidian ritual original: "釋奠" (Shidian). This term literally means "setting out offerings." It was a solemn ritual performed to honor the spirits of past teachers, primarily using vegetable offerings rather than the grand animal sacrifices used for deities. must be performed for the "Former Sage" and the "Former Teacher." Han dynasty scholars identified the Former Sage as the Duke of Zhou and the Former Teacher as Confucius. Thus, the Shidian ritual has been practiced since the Han; subsequent dynasties have either reduced or expanded its components.

In the second year of the Hongwu Emperor's reign 1369 CE, at the start of the Ming Dynasty, officials were dispatched to offer sacrifices at the Temple of Confucius in Qufu. Each year, during the spring and autumn, on the two "Ding" days The "Ding" days (the fourth day of the ten-day cycle) were traditionally chosen for these rites, imperial incense is sent to be offered at the Imperial Academy. The officials of the Central Secretariat perform the "First Offering," the Hanlin Scholars perform the "Second Offering," and the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy performs the "Final Offering." At the beginning of the Jiajing Emperor's reign roughly 1522 CE, the formal titles for the "Former Sages and Former Worthies" were standardized, and those titles are followed today.

Protocol for the Sacrifice to the Former Teacher, Confucius

The Master of Ceremonies calls for the musicians and dancers to take their positions. The various attendants each take charge of their specific duties. The Secondary Officiants and accompanying officials each take their assigned places.

The Guide leads the Primary Officiant to the washing station. The Guide commands: "Proceed to the washing station." The Officiant inserts the ritual tablet original: "搢笏" (jinhu). Officials carried a flat tablet of jade or ivory called a hu; "inserting" it into the waistband freed the hands for the ritual washing., washes his hands, and then removes the ritual tablet original: "出笏" (chuhu). This means taking the tablet back into the hands to resume a formal posture..

The Guide leads the Officiant to the bowing position and commands: "Take your place." The Master of Ceremonies calls: "Welcome the Spirit." Music is played. When the music stops, the Guide commands: "Perform four bows." The accompanying officials bow at the same time.

The Master of Ceremonies calls: "Present the silk and perform the Rite of First Offering." Music is played. The attendants carry the ritual silk and the wine cups to the altar...