英文介绍北京天坛Temple of Heaven.ppt

Temple of HeavenBeijing, China Chloé Newendyke History Largest sacrificial complex in the world Consists of several Taoist buildings built in 1420 Utilized by all subsequent Emperors in the Ming Qing dynasty to worship Heaven and pray for good harvests Ceremonies Emperors were regarded as Sons of Heaven Traveled to the Temple of Heaven twice annually- 15th day of the lunar month on winter solstice Ceremonies had to go completely as planned otherwise it was seen as a bad omen Ritual Worship to the God of Heaven 1. Emperor burned incense from pine and cypress trees to greet the God of Heaven 2. Emperor laid offerings three times 3. Emperor saw off the ascended God of Heaven by burning off all of the offerings Temple of Heaven Surrounded by a long wall Northern part of the wall is semicircular representing Heaven, and the southern part is square symbolizing Earth Northern part of wall is taller than southern part representing that Heaven is high and Earth is low Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Built without a single nail 4 inner walls represent the 4 seasons 12 middle walls symbolize the 12 months 12 outer pillars stand for the 12 traditional Chinese hours Imperial Vault of Heaven Housed the memorial tablets of Gods Built of brick and timber, surrounded by white marble railings Constructed with detailed number nines representing the number of the Emperor Echo Wall Curved wall surrounding the House of the Heavenly Lord Nicknamed “Echo Wall” because a person at one end of the wall can hear a person at the other end. Questions? * *