Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 8: Ceremonial Systems

Page 10

Diagram of the Ordered Standing of the Household According to Ancient Rites

| Great-great-grandfather | Great-grandfather | Grandfather | Deceased Father | | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | These tablets represent the four generations of ancestors (the "Four Temples") honored in a standard family shrine.

Incense Altar

West Door

Middle Door

West Steps

Incense Altar

Eastern Master's Steps

original: "阼階" (zuojie). These are the eastern steps of a hall, traditionally reserved for the host or master of the house.

This [arrangement] is for standing [when the father is alive], not [specifically] when the mother is [alone] present.

original: "此在立非母在". This note likely clarifies that this specific hierarchy applies when the patriarch is the primary participant.
Multiple rows, with the East being superior.

Paternal Aunts, Wives of Elder Uncles, Wives of Younger Uncles
Elder Sisters, Elder Brothers’ Wives
Mistress of the Household
Younger Sisters, Younger Brothers’ Wives
Daughters, Sons’ Wives
Granddaughters, Grandsons’ Wives

Multiple rows, with the West being superior.

Father, Elder Paternal Uncles, Younger Paternal Uncles
Master of the Household
Elder Brothers
Younger Brothers
Nephews
Grandsons

Internal Attendants

External Attendants

original: "執事" (zhishi). These are individuals, often junior family members or servants, tasked with handling ritual implements like incense, wine, and prayer boards.