Diagram of the Side-by-Side Arrangement of Five Generations for Contemporary Use


Distinguished Deceased Father & Mother Xian Kao / Xian Bi	Great-Grandfather & Mother	Founding Ancestor & Mother	Great-Great-Grandfather & Mother	Grandfather & Grandmother

Diagram of the Side-by-Side Arrangement of Four Generations for Contemporary Use


Distinguished Deceased Father & Mother	Great-Grandfather & Mother	Great-Great-Grandfather & Mother	Distinguished Grandfather & Mother

Terminology for the Deceased: In these diagrams, the terms Kao (deceased father) and Bi (deceased mother) are used. When preceded by Xian (Distinguished/Manifest), it serves as an honorific for the recently departed.

The Generational Logic:
The first diagram follows the "five generations" rule, which was the standard for families of high status. Notice the "Founding Ancestor" original: 始祖 Shizu is placed in the center. The other generations alternate to the left and right according to seniority, a system known as Zhaomu. This ensures that the most ancient ancestor remains the focal point of the ritual.

The second diagram shows a "four generation" arrangement. This was often used in smaller domestic shrines or during specific transition periods when the Founding Ancestor was honored at a separate, larger lineage temple rather than the immediate family's daily altar.