The words will come later. Right now, enjoy the sights with me.
Note: This was NOT produced by my daughter who does this professionally and could have done a great job. This is my first attempt to make a movie.
The Temple of Heaven, Beijing
July 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Emperor of China was thought to be the son of Heaven. He derived his authority not just by succeeding the Emperor before him from his dynasty, but from his performance as one who could care for his people. Primarily, the Emperor was responsible for feeding the people. A good year with good harvests and plentiful food would be an affirmation of the Emperor’s power. If there were bad years and people starved, the Emperor was seen as not deserving of the blessings of Heaven and his authority was in question. For that reason, the Emperors were highly motivated to pray for rains and good harvests.
Twice a year, from the Forbidden City, the center of Beijing, the crossroads of the world– after all, China calls itself The Middle Kingdom– the Emperor would make his way south with a large entourage of officials in ceremonial dress in a procession that would take three days (although in fact, it was only a couple of miles). During the time the procession was passing, people were to stay inside so as not to see the procession. Those who were by chance outside, had to fall to the ground and lie there with their faces down until the procession passed.
After a southward walk, the procession would turn east and then north again to enter the Temple complex. Once in the compound of the Temple of Heaven, the Emperor would make his way north and would spend three days fasting and praying before putting on special ceremonial garments and praying in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Here are some pictures of the complex:
The Imperial Vault of Heaven
The Gate
Our group August 2007 in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
The Temple of Heaven, Beijing
July 3, 2009 By 14 Comments
The Temple of Heaven is not only a magnificent series of structures, but it is an amazing place to visit because at its heart is the heart of the Chinese people. In this place you can see and meet people and begin to understand what China is really about. These people are warm, friendly, and full of grace.
The environs of the Temple of Heaven contain areas where people meet on a daily basis and engage in exercise and games of all sorts. Of course, most of the people who meet and play in this open-air community center are older folks who are no longer working. They pay a minimal yearly fee and then have use of the park every day. Here are some of the sights:
Women exercising
Notice the “play equipment” is adult sized.
Women walking on pebbles
When we visit China, we make sure to take everyone for a foot massage. These women get their own massage as they walk in their light-soled shoes on pebbles cemented into the ground and protruding exactly enough to provide a therapeutic massage!
Ouch!
This woman made all of us think “ouch!”
Ribbon exercises
This was a particularly lovely sight. Many of the women get their exercise by waving ribbons in beautiful intricate patterns.
Fan dancing in the park
In addition to Tai Chi, there is fan dancing, sword dancing and lots of other group activities. Western style social dancing is also done with old American tunes being played on large amplifiers. Some people also come here to play cards, chess, and mahjong. Some of the women bring craft projects such as crocheting and knitting. Sometimes they sell their items to tourists.
Of course all should be done accompanied by music!
Musician in the park
Next time we’ll see some of the buildings in this large complex called “The Temple of Heaven.”
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