Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Rites ... Protocol

The Protocol for the Sacrifice

Before the spirit tablets, the Ritual Guide leads the officiant to the spirit tablet of the Great Accomplisher, Most Sagely Former Teacher, Confucius. The officiant tucks his ritual tablet original: "搢笏" (jinhu). The "hu" was a long, narrow tablet made of jade, ivory, or bamboo held by officials during ceremonies. To free the hands, the official would tuck it into his sash. into his belt. The attendants present the silk offerings; once the presentation is finished, the attendants present the wine cup original: "爵" (jue). A distinctive three-legged bronze vessel used for ritual libations.. The Ritual Guide announces the offering of the wine. The officiant removes his ritual tablet from his belt and proceeds to the position for the reading of the prayer.

The officiant kneels for the reading of the prayer. The Prayer Official takes the written prayer and kneels to the left of the Officiating Officer. Once the reading is finished, the officiant performs a deep prostration, then rises and stands straight.

The Ritual Guide then leads the officiant to the spirit tablet of the Restoring Sage, Yanzi Yan Hui, Confucius's favorite disciple. There, he tucks his tablet into his belt and offers the wine. He then removes the tablet and proceeds to the spirit tablet of the Exemplary Sage, Zengzi.
The ritual is the same as the one performed previously.
The officiant then proceeds to the spirit tablet of the Transmitting Sage, Zisizi Confucius's grandson and then to the spirit tablet of the Second Sage, Mengzi.
Both follow the ritual described above.
Same as before.

The Ritual Guide leads the officiant back to his original position. The music stops. The Master of Ceremonies announces the performance of the Second Offering. The music resumes. The attendants offer wine cups before the spirit tablets. The music stops. The Master of Ceremonies then announces the performance of the Final Offering. The music resumes.
The ritual is the same as before.
The music stops.

The Master of Ceremonies announces the Partaking of the Blessings and Receiving the Sacrificial Meat This represents a communal meal where the living share in the offerings accepted by the spirits, symbolizing the reception of grace and wisdom. The Ritual Guide leads the officiant to the position for partaking of blessings. The officiant kneels and tucks his ritual tablet into his belt. The attendants present the wine cup; the Guide announces the drinking of the Wine of Blessing. The attendants then present the sacrificial meat; the Guide announces the receiving of the meat. The officiant removes his ritual tablet, performs a deep prostration, rises, and stands straight. He returns to his original position. The Guide announces two bows.
The accompanying officials do the same.
The Master of Ceremonies...