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Published: August 14th 2006
Tripple-roofed temple
The proportions offer perfection and harmony.The Temple of Heaven represents the highest development of religious architecture in China. Though religious rituals have been held on this spot as far back as the 11th Century B.C., this temple of perfection and harmony was constructed by the Ming Dynasty in the year 1420, some 70 years before the liberation of Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella from the Moors, and the sailing of Columbus from the Sevilla.
The temple was vitally important to the imperial universe, as it was the link between emperor and heaven. From here the emperor would make his report to heaven.
The altar was acoustically designed to help the emperor's words reach the cosmos. The altar magnifies the voice of the speaker standing in its center, but only the speaker can hear this magnification. The altar was built with rows of marble slabs in multiples of the number 9. Remember, the number 9 is the most auspicious number for the Chinese. The first row has 9 large slabs, the second 18 slabs, and so on.
Here, after a procession from the Forbidden City, the emperor would make sacrifices and pray to heaven and his ancestors at the winter solstice. As the Son
of Heaven, the emperor could intercede with the gods on behalf of his people. Just as importantly, he would pray for a good harvest. The common people were not permitted on this holy ground, though today it is a place where many elderly congregate to practice tai ji, and entertain each other with Chinese instruments and beautiful song, and play cards. :-)
The one of its kind 3 tiered-roof-structure has an aura of serenety, and is one of Beijings most recognized landmarks. The over 50,000 blue tiles symbolized the color of heaven, and the circular roofs symbolized the sky. The color red is also considered one of the imperial colors.
The hall is entirely built of wood, without using a single nail or cement. Without the huge marble stone base, it reaches a hight of 125 ft. The marble tiered elevation makes the sight even more dramatic.
The three roofs of the hall are supported by 28 highly decorated wooden columns. The 4 most impressive columns represent the 4 seasons, the 12 outer columns represent the months of the year, and the upper 12 support columns represent the divisions of the day, and again, no nails were
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests...
...represents the highest development of religious architecture in China. used.
After having been struck by lightning, the hall was completely restored by 1889, and since no trees large enough could be located in China for use as the Dragon Fountain Pillars, they were imported from Oregon in the U.S.
The entire complex is situated in a pleasant park, with trees providing shade from the summer heat, and tranquility for those who walk one of China's most historical religious sites.
At this point of my China Adventure, Arthur and I are preparing to leave for Tibet, on the new train-line linking Beijing and Lhasa. It will surely be a journey filled with surprise and wonder, and it may take some time to present the photos and commentary after our return.
At the end of our stay in Tibet, we are heading to the province of Chengdu to visit the Wolong Nature Reserve where the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is located. It appears to be an exiting journey, and I'll keep precoupious notes and take many photos.
To all of my family, my friends and my students at Coral Gables High School, I wish you a wonderful positive beginning to the new school year. It
The golden finial on top of the hall...
is 125 feet high and very prone to lightning strikes. feels very strange not being part of the new year and I miss everyone very much. All of you are often on my mind, and hope you will stay with me on this special journey through China.
So many have sent me greetings and wishes, and I will attempt to contact you individually upon the return from Tibet and my visit with the Pandas. My love to everyone!
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sonia
non-member comment
Dear Hans. What a wonderful experience you are enjoying!!! We are with each step of the way through your writings. Thanks for taking us with you!!Amado and I are in New York. I don't have with me your e-mail address. Hoping to hear from you soon. Love, Sonia