With the announcement by the host, the ceremony began. Two deacons walked slowly to stand one each side of the offering table, followed by the officiant (usually the oldest woman in the family) and the other attendants , who all went down on their knees in front of the offering table. The officiant then took over three burning joss sticks from the deacon and made some wishes and then placed the joss sticks in the burner. This would be done three times.