The offerings are placed in front of the deity tablet of Confucius along with a calligraphy display reading, “Bansei Shihyou” (Eternal Master). The offerings for Zenzi and Mencius are placed on the left of Confucius’ and the offerings for Yan Hui and Zisi are on the right. The order of Sekiten ceremony is as follows:
Order of the Sekiten Ceremony
- Prepare to open the gate
- Th representatives take their places
- The Master of Rites is led to the Taisei-den
- Prepare to open the gate
- The Master of the Rites and the participants face the gate to welcome Confucius
- The representatives open the offering vessels
- The Master of Rites cleanses his hands in the washing area. Then he lights incenses for Confucius and the Four Disciples
- The Master of Rites presents the silk fabric and sake offerings
- The presider reads the congratulatory address to Confucius
- The Master of Rites makes the second offering of sake
- The Master of Rites makes the third offering of sake
- Distinguished guests and the Kume Souseikai representatives are led to the alter to offer incenses
- The Master of Rites receives the offerings of sake and food on the gatherer’s behalf
- The Master of Rites receives the offerings of sake and food on the gatherer’s behalf
- The Master of Rites and the attendees pay their last respect to Confucius together.
- Participants face the censer to burn offerings in the order of congratulatory address, silk fabric, and sake.
- Participants face the censer to burn offerings in the order of congratulatory address, silk fabric, and sake.
- The Master of Rites and all representatives return to their original posts.
- The Sekiten Ceremony concludes.
