CHINA- Review-The Temple of Heaven- Travel-

The most famous temple in China and one of the most striking examples of early Ming architecture, the Temple of Heaven was thought to be fundamental to China's well being. According to tradition, twice a year each emperor made the short trip from the Forbidden City to sacrifice animals as they prayed for good harvests and prosperity. Built 600 years ago by the third Ming emperor, the Temple of Heaven consists of three blue tiled pagoda roofed buildings. Rising majestically 123 feet high with eight flights of stairs joining three marble terraces, the temple is constructed entirely of wood without using any nails.

(Tian Tan)

The Chinese emperors believed they were divine men ordained to rule by a Mandate from Heaven. The power of each dynasty was transferred by succession in line of family descent. But these Son's of Heaven were simply flawed men, emperors who were very human, making decisions and mistakes that shaped their destiny and the future of China.

Kowtow Ceremony

The ancient Kowtow ceremony required complete submission by visitors seeking an audience with the emperor. Accustomed to the Kowtow ceremony in their daily lives, the Chinese could not understand why many westerners hesitated and some even refused to honor the emperor in this manner. Chinese children repeated this act for their parents, adults performed the Kowtow at ancient shrines, and even the emperor honored his parents and prayed to heaven twice a year at the temple of heaven with this ceremony.

In performing this humiliating act, the guest kneeled before the emperor prostrating himself three times, touching his head to the ground (head knocking) three times for each kneeling.

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