Procedures

① Welcome the Heaven Great: The emperor first changed into worshipping clothes at the Dressing Terrace, and then headed to the Circular Mound Altar and kneeled on the middle layer of the Altar. When the ceremonial music started, the emperor kneeled down at the main tablet and then at the subsidiary tablets subsequently. Lastly, gave rituals in front of the ancestral tablets.
② Lay jade and silk: The emperor laid jades and silk in front of the tablets.
③ Offer up sacrifices: The emperor offered sacrifices in front of the tablets.
④ Give the first ritual: The emperor made the first libation to the Tablet of Heaven Great. At this time, special chapters of music and dance were played. The prayer words were read, and then the emperor kneeled three times and kowtowed for nine times before the tablet.
⑤ Give the second ritual: The emperor made a libation to the tablets for various gods. Special music and dance were performed at that time.
⑥ Give the final ritual: The emperor made a final libation to all the sacred tablets, and kneeled down for three times and bowed for nine times.
⑦ Withdraw the sacrifices: All the offerings were taken down the altar, and the “Xiping” chapter of music was played.
⑧ Sent the Heaven Great: The emperor kneeled down for three times and bowed for nine times, and then went to the Firewood Stove. All the offerings, ceremonial placards and silk scrolls were respectfully transferred to the stove and put inside to be burned.
⑨ Watch the burning: The emperor watched the burning of offerings, and then left the Temple of Heaven and went back to the Forbidden City. The ceremony was over.