According to Zhou dynasty regulations, burial was on the upper part of the western steps. The Son of Heaven used a cypress wood coffin with a straight design, one chi square and six chi long. The headboard had four projections. Ti zou refers to the heads converging or gathering together. When closed, it was like a house, completely coated inside. For the ruler's burial, a carriage (zhong) was used; poles were arranged up to the top, and the entire structure was coated like a house. For a high-ranking official's burial, a canopy (long) was used; poles were placed along the western corridor, but the coating did not reach the coffin. A scholar-official's body was laid out on a mat for burial; it was coated above and covered with a curtain. Zuan is similar to zou. "House" refers to the structure placed over the coffin during burial, resembling a house covering it. Long means coverage or shelter. Ji means to reach or touch. For feudal lords, the carriage (zhong) should not be decorated with dragons; poles should not feature headboard projections resembling a cypress coffin. Otherwise, they followed similar practices. For the burial of high-ranking officials, the carriage (zhong) was omitted; instead, the coffin was placed beneath the western wall. Poles were arranged along three sides against the wall, and it was coated accordingly. The reason why poles did not reach the coffin is that the space between them was narrow, only sufficient to accommodate the coffin itself. In that case, it is clear that the Son of Heaven and feudal lords had significantly wider and larger structures for their burials. For scholars-officials, poles were not used; instead, a pit was dug in the ground to place the coffin inside. Only the small waist section where the lid of the coffin met its body would be visible. A curtain was placed over it, as ghosts and spirits still favored darkness and seclusion. This practice applied to scholars-officials all the way up to the Son of Heaven. The Grand Priest prepared the sacrificial fire. Ao refers to roasting or frying grains. lineno Once the coffin was covered, it was placed beside it; this was done to confuse ants and prevent them from reaching the coffin. For the ruler, four types of food in eight baskets were prepared; for a high-ranking official, three types in six baskets; and for a scholar-official, two types in four baskets. Fish and preserved meat were added as well. For a high-ranking official, the three types included millet. The ruler's four types were supplemented with rice. With four baskets, one basket was placed for each of the hands and feet; the remaining ones were arranged on either side. For a scholar-official, millet and sorghum were roasted separately in two baskets each, with fish and preserved meat included as well. Then the coating was applied. Wood was placed over the coffin and then coated, as a precaution against fire. After the coating was completed, the curtain officials spread out the curtains: three layers for the king, two layers for feudal lords, and no layers for isolated marquises, ministers, or high-ranking officials. Spreading out the curtains refers to placing a dust cover over the coffin. The priest took the memorial tablet and placed it in the yu, the master of the house returned to his position and wept loudly, then covered the body with a cloth. Candles were placed east of the food offerings. Zhan refers to the food offering in the eastern direction. The reason for having candles is that although the hall may be bright, the room remains dark. Fire on the ground is called liao; when held in one's hand, it is called zhu. Then the offerings were presented.
通典 : 禮四十五 : 殯
