The Great Bell must be sounded before every ceremony held in the Sanctuary.
Note: Before striking the bell, first light the small oil lamp placed beneath it. Hold the mallet, look up toward the main altar, bow once, then strike. After striking, bow once again before setting down the mallet and lowering the lamp.
Fifteen minutes before each ceremony, the Head of Ceremonies or the officiating steward must sound the Great Bell to announce the ceremony as prescribed.
For the Farewell to the Spirits ceremony (23rd of the 12th month, at 19:30), once the clergy have taken their places, nine strokes of the Great Bell are sounded; and for the Welcoming of the Spirits ceremony (30th of the 12th month, at 18:00), nine strokes of the Great Bell are likewise sounded before the ceremony begins.
For the ceremony installing a tablet on the Ancestral Altar, the bell is struck in celebration as follows: three rounds, with one slow and two quick strokes, then struck once, softly and slowly, continuing until the ceremony ends.