THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN ... IT'S IN CHINA

The Good Luck Foo Dogs, flowers and symbols on a Temple

In Beijing, formerly known as Peking.  While Europe was going thru it's Renaissance in the 1400's, China was praising all aspects of the elements, much like the American Indians.  

Of course, China had invented the compass in year 100 however, it did not find its way to Europe until the 1400s.  Besides, China figured out how to make maps way before Europe, so how do you think Chris Columbus discovered places?  

And during that bright time in China, The Temple of the Sun, The Temple of the Moon and The Temple of the Earth was also constructed.  These temples were used for some kind of  ritual sacrifice, we don't know exactly what.  The great leaders visited these temples to pray for an abundant harvest. 

The ordinary human was never allowed to set foot in the Temple areas. Nor watch processions. That was reserved for royalty, and like all civilizations for good reason. Only the Emperor could perform the ceremony as he was considered the Son of Heaven.  It was felt that the slightest mistake could affect the outcome of the harvest. A deep responsibility -- especially if there was a drought. 

So throughout China, there are many holy places in spite of China being a Communist country, was happened rather recently in the 1940s.  China outpaced the rest of the world in the arts, science and industry. But it was in the early 19th and 20th centuries, China was beset with major famines, civil unrest, military defeats and foreign occupation.  . 

Yet, the holy Temples throughout the country, remained intact. They've become visitor attractions with many showing a deep respect for these sacred sites.  

No matter where you look at any of the Temples, you'll always see images of gods and goddesses, or good luck animals and omens. When visiting remember the importance of the holy places and take a minute to count your blessings. Just like the Chinese have done for centuries.