As for the numbers of offerings and implements, the "Ritual Implements" chapter of the Book of Rites explains the principle clearly: In ritual, higher numbers signify respect. For example, when a marquis goes out, he is preceded by seven lieutenants who announce his coming. When a marquis has guests, he serves seven dishes.
對於行禮的次數和祭器、祭品的多寡原則，《禮記》〈禮器〉篇中則做了清楚的說明：禮文有以「多」為貴的，例如，諸侯出門有 7 個副官先行傳話，招待來賓有 7 樣葷菜；大夫只有 5 個副官、5 樣葷菜。