ters in diameter. interestingly, the slab features natural black and white veins, corresponding to the dragon-phoenix design on the ceiling. this particular slab is known as the dragon-phoenix stone and is regarded as a treasure inseparable from the hall.
the furnishings within the hall are placed in their original positions dating back to when emperor xianfeng ruled .in the forefront and above the throne are enshrined tablets in commemoration of heaven. on either table on each side tablets of the emperor` s ancestors were placed. each tablet is fronted by an altar. a total of 24 kinds of offering were made on it ,including soup, wine, assorted cereals, and a calf.
the sacrificial rites were observed in the wee hours of the morning, sometime in the first month of the chinese lunar year. because it was still dark, candles, lanterns and torches were lit. this lighting coupled with the incense being burnt inside the hall ,helped make the ceremony both grand and mystical.
by the time the service began,207 musicians and dancers would be performing on platforms outside the hall. the emperor, in his blue sacrificial robe and with an air of piety and sincerity, would walk slowly into the hall, kowtow, and offer wine and prayer in hornor of the deities and his ancestors. all of the offerings would then be taken to incinerators on the eastern side of the gate of prayer for good harvest. with this we conclude our visit to the temper of heaven. the feudal monarchs