Page "Shangdi" Paragraph 21

From the earliest eras of Chinese history, Shangdi was officially worshipped through sacrificial rituals.

It is the first and foremost important ritual of the state.

Shangdi is believed to rule over natural and ancestral spirits, who act as His ministers.

Shangdi is thought to be the Supreme Guide of both the natural order and the human order.

The ruler of China in every Chinese dynasty would perform annual sacrificial rituals to Shangdi at the great Temple of Heaven in the imperial capital.

During the ritual a completely healthy bull would be slaughtered and presented as an animal sacrifice to Shangdi.

It is important to note that Shangdi is never represented with either images or idols.

Instead, in the center building of the Temple of Heaven, in a structure called the " Imperial Vault of Heaven ", a " spirit tablet " ( 神位, or shénwèi ) inscribed with the name of Shangdi is stored on the throne, Huangtian Shangdi ( 皇天上帝 ).

During an annual sacrifice, the emperor would carry these tablets to the north part of the Temple of Heaven, a place called the " Prayer Hall For Good Harvests ", and place them on that throne.