Last year when they were building their houses, everyone was in a rush and there was no roof-raising ceremony.
Now that we have the means, we should naturally do it.
Then, Song Ning realized that there were so many intricacies involved in the discussion.
Before raising the roof beam, an auspicious day must be chosen. Song Dahai had already taken care of this matter long ago and selected today.
Moreover, it should be done close to noon, when the yang energy is at its peak and the yin energy is completely gone, which is an auspicious time.
On the day of the roof beam raising, the ancestor is invited to come out and oversee the ceremony, and a memorial tablet is set up in the courtyard for worship.
Liu Yuelan had prepared red cloth early on and tied it to the beam. She also asked Old Man Yu to write some auspicious words on red paper and paste them on the beam, a custom known as "hanging colorful decorations".
Next came the Liang-worship ceremony. The offering table had to be set up and the offerings arranged. Craftsman Li also placed the rulers, ink lines, and other items they used for their work on the offering table, burned incense and paper money, and said auspicious words while worshipping.
"Today, as we pay homage to the beam, heaven and earth open up, wealth abounds, and people and horses are strong and healthy. The golden boy and jade girl help us to ascend to perfection, and we gather together in the magnificent hall."
Once these steps are completed, the roof beam can be officially raised.
There are also many rules to follow when raising the ridge beam. Eight young people with both parents alive and good birth dates are needed to climb the wall and pull the ridge beam; otherwise, it is considered unlucky.
After the beam is pulled up, the beam is stabilized, which follows the principle of "left green dragon, right white tiger" and "left higher than right".
Next comes everyone's favorite part: the beam toss.
Children and adults alike came, and even the construction workers came to join in the fun.
Song Dahai and Craftsman Li stood on the roof beam, their baskets filled with candy, peanuts, and other festive items that Song Ning had bought, which they then tossed down from the height.
The courtyard was filled with people, all scrambling to grab it. Song Rui stood at the gate and lit the firecrackers, instantly enlivening the entire Tianxiang County.
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