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Beijing has been a focal point for China’s most important religious observances since it become the country’s capital in 1420. Of all the temples built to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is easily the most significant one.
Governing the worlds largest population, Chinese emperors needed more than just intimidation and an effective government. They had to show their subjects that they had the legitimacy to rule.
As you step into the Temple of Heaven, a secret world once sealed off from the common people is now ready to reveal itself.
On the west side stands the Hall of Abstinence. This was where the emperor stayed to prepare himself for the ceremonies. He abstained from meat, onions, garlic, alcohol and sexual relations. Everything looks very simple in the hall. Here, the emperor didn’t have the luxurious furnishings and ornaments found in the Forbidden City.
On the east side of the complex are the Animal Slaughtering Hall and Divine Kitchen. Sacrificial animals such as sheep, cattle, and pigs used to be slaughtered and prepared in these two halls. It would take many workers several days to prepare all of the food.
In the hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras would practice their compositions all day and night. When the ceremonies began, no mistake was tolerated.
You are sure to be amazed by the large variety of antique instruments displayed in the hall. A mock performance is staged every two hours, so make sure to stick around and enjoy.
Soon you’ll be standing before the Circular Altar, the most significant structure in the temple. The altar was built to worship Heaven. You can’t miss taking a picture here, for it was believed to be the center of the universe.
Each year, the emperor would pray to Heaven and validate his right to rule the kingdom. It is said that the weather would be good if the emperor did things right, while there would be death and natural disasters if Heaven rejected him.
The prayers here brought the emperor the mandate from Heaven, and now he can run his empire.
Tags: Asia
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