Page Nine

...Established Regulations...

The Master of Ceremonies calls for the removal of the food offerings original: "徹饌" (chezuan). This step marks the transition from the communal feast with the spirits to the conclusion of the rite.. As the music begins to play, the attendants proceed to their respective positions before the spirit tablets to remove the food offerings. Once finished, the music ceases. The Master of Ceremonies then calls for the Sending off of the Deities original: "送神" (songshen). A formal dismissal and farewell to the spirits of the Sages who were invited to descend for the ceremony..

Music is played. The Ritual Guide commands the officiant to perform four prostrations.
The assistant officiants perform these prostrations at the same time.
The Master of Ceremonies calls for the Prayer Reader to take up the prayer and for the Sacrificial Officers to take up the ritual silk and the food offerings; they each proceed to the burial pit original: "瘞位" (yiwei). A designated spot, often a pit or furnace, where the written prayer and ritual silk are buried or burned to "send" them to the spiritual realm..

The Master of Ceremonies calls for the Observation of the Burial. Music is played. The Ritual Guide leads the officiant to the position for observing the burial. The music ceases.

The Guide announces: “The ritual is concluded.”