In ancient times, the carnivorous animals used for sacrifice were called "sacrifices", referring to horses, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, tapirs and other livestock, and later called "six animals". Among the six animals, the most commonly used are cattle, sheep and dogs. Fish and rabbit game is also used for sacrifice, but it is not among the "sacrifices". Sacrifice also uses people, but people themselves are not called "sacrifices." The ancient book only said "employing people", not "human sacrifice".
In addition to "sacrifice", there are also whole grains as sacrifices, which are called "prosperous times". Fresh fruits and vegetables are also common sacrifices in folk sacrifices, which are repeatedly mentioned in the Book of Songs. After Buddhism was introduced into China, the fruits of fasting became more abundant. In addition, wine is also a common sacrifice to the gods.
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Dedicated to the gods. Zhou Li Dazong Bo said: "Sacrifice the country with blood". The method of blood sacrifice is explained by A Qing Jin E in "Searching for Ancient Records and Burning Wood": "Blood sacrifice is like pouring wine on the ground." It can be seen that the sacrifice is to pour the blood and wine used to sacrifice the land god into the ground, and the blood and wine will soon penetrate into the ground. People think this can reach the gods.
"Book of Rites Suburb Sacrifice" says: "Zhou people are still smelly. When it is used for irrigation, it stinks, and when it is depressed, it goes to the royal source. Fill it with Zhang Gui and use jade gas. It not only pours, but also welcomes sacrifice, causing yin. " "Smell" refers to aroma, which is the main reason why people in Zhou Dynasty sacrificed to the gods. Therefore, before offering sacrifices to gods, they should fill them with wine, mix the wine with fragrant chamomile, and let the fragrance reach the grave with irrigation. In order to give full play to the moist and clean gas of jade, Zhang Gui personally handled the spoon for filling.