The Temple of Heaven
The Temple Of Heaven is the most holy of Beijing’s Imperial temples. For this is where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. Since his rule was legitimised by a mandate from heaven, a bad harvest could be interpreted as his fall from heaven’s favour, thereby threatening the stability of his reign. So, it was not without a measure of self- interest that the Emperor fervently prayed for a good crop.
In line with the Neo-Confucianist revival of the Ming dynasty, the sacred harvest ceremony was combined with the Emperor’s worship of his ancestors. This embellishment was also, in effect, self-interested. For, according to the Confucian pattern of social organisation, just as the Emperor respected his ancestors, so a younger brother should respect an elder brother, a wife her husband, a son his father, and a nation’s subjects their ruler. Incorporating ancestor worship within the most solemn ceremony of the Imperial ritual calendar, indirectly reinforced the social philosophy that perpetuated the Emperor’s power.
It was like good choreography each detail so well rehearsed that it seemed effortless. My personal favourite was our hike with our children on the Great Wall and arriving in the first tower to find a chef ready with lunch was an astounding moment. It took my breath away.K.B., USA
The design of the Temple of Heaven complex, true to its sacred purpose, reflects the mystical cosmological laws believed to be central to the workings of the universe. Complex numerological permutations operate within its design. For example, because the number nine was considered to be the most powerful digit, you will see that the slabs that form the Circular Altar have been lain in multiples of nine. Similarly within the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the interior twenty- eight columns are divided into four central pillars to represent the seasons, twelve inner columns to represent the months and twelve outer columns to represent the two hour tranches that make up a day. There are many such examples of this numerology at play.
A curious feature of Ming dynasty architecture is its reluctance to use nails within its structural design. An ingenious system of joints is employed such as at the regal Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
Whereas in Imperial times commoners were not allowed to enter the enormous park, now Chinese citizens can enjoy it all day long. At dawn, crowds gather to perform their morning exercises. Next to an older person practising the slow and flowing movements of Tai Qi there might be a younger one performing vigorous karate-like punches and kicks. One group might be learning the ancient martial art of sword-fighting, while another might be practising a traditional dance.
