金光明最勝王經疏 4.10

4.10

贊曰：請軌，初由虔敬、後陳供養。供養有多，如前已說。此起敬供養，表問菩提心因如華、表成五分法身如香、表出二乘大智如幢、表四陀羅尼如幡、表此覆生如蓋，故以華等供養。

The commentary says: The ritual procedure of the request first arises from devout reverence, and afterwards presents offerings. Offerings are many, as has already been stated. These offerings born of reverence symbolize: asking about the cause of the bodhicitta is like flowers; accomplishing the five-part dharmakāya is like incense; surpassing the great wisdom of the two vehicles is like jeweled banners; the four dhāraṇīs are like flags; covering and sheltering sentient beings is like canopies; therefore, offerings were made with flowers and the like.