What does it mean to become sworn brothers in ancient times? What are the formal procedures?

In ancient times, sworn brothers were sworn brothers, meaning that people who were not related by blood became sworn brothers or sisters. The form and process of worship are: agreeing to worship through consultation, choosing the auspicious day and place of worship, preparing the articles used for worship, setting the environment, exchanging Jin Lan's post, pledging blood alliance and becoming brothers.

Since ancient times, there has been such a saying: a thousand cups of bosom friends, more than half a sentence of lovers. It is true that the mutual attraction between people depends on many factors, some because of interest and some because of preference.

Since ancient times, like-minded people will choose to become sworn brothers to increase their feelings. Becoming sworn brothers is a spoken language. This word first appeared in the novel Three Heroes and Five Righteousnesses. The story of sworn brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei became sworn brothers in the romance of the Three Kingdoms.

We know that the three of them have been sharing weal and woe ever since. Later, people followed their example and became sworn. The specific forms of worship are divided into:

Take an oath after consultation

People who become sworn are generally singular, and they can't become sworn within the clan, even if they have in-laws, and they can't become sworn if they don't agree with each other. And be sworn regardless of age or sex.

Choose an auspicious day and place to worship and prepare articles for worship.

Good days are necessary, and there are suitable places. You need to use the statue of Guan Gong, sacrifices, live chickens, Jin Lan stickers, wine, bowls, knives (used to kill chickens to get blood), pens, incense and so on. These items should be ready.

Layout environment

Hang the statue of Guan Gong on the wall, then put the sacrifice on the table and pour the wine into the bowl.

Exchange Jin Lan posts

Everyone has a post by Jin Lan with his signature and thumb print on it.

Blood for the alliance, become sworn.

Kill the chicken, take the blood, pour it into a bowl, each take a sip of chicken blood wine, then pour the rest in front of Guan Yu, and then call names.

In this way, the worship is completed. Of course, this is an ancient way of worship, and modern people can change it flexibly without sticking to the above forms.