REGULATIONS FOR STRIKING THE GREAT BELL TO ANNOUNCE RITES IN THE MAIN SANCTUARY
Every rite performed in the Main Sanctuary must be announced by striking the Great Bell (Dai Hong Chung).
Note: Before striking the bell, a small oil lamp must first be lit and placed beneath the bell. Holding the mallet, one bows once toward the Main Altar before striking. After striking is complete, one bows once more before setting down the mallet and withdrawing the lamp.
Fifteen minutes before each rite, the Head of Ceremonies or the lay officiant (Tu Chuc) must strike the Great Bell to announce the rite according to regulation.
For the Rite of Farewell to the Spirits (Tien Than, on the 23rd of the 12th month at 7:30 p.m.), once “the officiants have taken their places,” the bell is struck 9 times; and for the Rite of Welcoming the Spirits (Nghinh Than, on the 30th of the 12th month at 6:00 p.m.), the bell is likewise struck 9 times before the rite begins.
For the rite of installing the tablet on the altar of the Ancestors of Past Generations, the bell is struck in celebration as follows: 3 rounds, with 1 slow and 2 quick strikes each, followed by single, soft, slow strikes continuing until the rite concludes.