During the Cultural Revolution, people began the day in front of a portrait of Mao Zedong. In the morning, they “requested instructions” from the portrait for the day’s work and life. In the evening, they “reported” how they had carried them out and what they had been thinking. The ritual was called 早请示，晚汇报.
It was widespread from 1966 to 1971, although no official Party document ever prescribed it. People labeled “ox demons and snake spirits” were not allowed to take part. They had to “request punishment” morning and evening instead.