In ancient China, especially during the Eastern Han Dynasty, family sacrifices were a very important activity. It's a way of respecting ancestors and passing on the family spirit. However, this Xi has its own unique rituals and processes.
In the process of worshipping ancestors, the most important step is to prepare the offerings. These offerings usually include fruits, wine, and other foods. These are meant to show respect to the ancestors and to hope that they will be able to enjoy these offerings. In addition, some special ritual utensils, such as incense burners and candlesticks, are sometimes used to enhance the sense of ceremony.
Then there is the burning of paper money. It is a very traditional custom that is said to be used so that the deceased can have enough wealth to live in the other world. People would cut the five-colored paper into different shapes, representing a variety of items, and then burn them together. At the same time, there will be special people chanting scriptures on the side to pray for the blessings of the ancestors.
The worship is the most solemn part of the process. The elders or elders of the family will lead the whole family to kneel on the ground and bow to the grave or photograph. This process is both a tribute to the deceased and a reverence for life. Everyone will say some words of blessing to express their feelings of longing.
There are also some other special rituals, such as the "Three Animals to the Sky", that is, on the first day of the first lunar month, the head of the family will set up an altar in front of his house, using three animals as sacrifices, cows, sheep and pigs, to pray to the heavens for good luck for the year. Another example is the "Qingming Festival Tomb Sweeping", which is a national festival where families go to the cemetery to sweep the graves of their loved ones and offer flowers and food to remember the deceased.
Family rituals in the Eastern Han Dynasty had both a serious side and a warm emotional exchange. It is not only a traditional culture, but also a deep nostalgia and respect for loved ones. Although there have been many new ways of commemorating in modern society, this ancient Xi is still cherished by many people and continues to this day.