Culture n' stuff..

Like most bloggers,I found myself hopelessly baffled over the sudden appearance of a whole extra hour this weekend.

Where does it come from?..

Did we have to borrow it from China or something??..

Is it a Right-Wing conspiracy,designed to postpone the inevitable???..

I just don't know.

So,I decided to leave those questions to Stephen Hawking,and use the additional time to take that long awaited field trip to O-Town's very own Chinese Temple.

This place has got to be O-Town's best kept secret!

For a mere two dollars,you get to wander about the grounds of an absolute treasure house,and get a glimpse of what life was like for a whole 'nuther culture over 140 years ago.

Built in 1863,it replaced two wooden buildings that had burned down,probably due to the use of incense and candles.

It served as the only place of worship for the nearly ten-thousand Buddhist,Taoist,and Confucianist Chinese residents in the area.

You may enjoy the furnishings,artifacts and peaceful ambiance,but whatever you do,..DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!!..Or the little blue-haired lady in the gift shop will beat you like a rented Mule.

..don't ask me how I know.

The altar in the Main Temple building..You need to cross two thresholds to enter,so as to confound any evil spirits that may be trailing you.

Temple Deities..

The central courtyard,..

..and Koi Pond.

Upstairs,to the rear of the Main Temple,is the 'Moon Temple',..built for the worship of Buddha.The bricks create a 360 degree circular entry..again with the two thresholds.

The 'Tapestry Room' also houses some stunning furnishings,donated by the Emperor of China..

.. Brass incense Burner,approximately four feet tall!..Beautiful.

And finally,a lovely collection of traditional dress,circa 1860..

Chinese Bridal Gown..

These photos barely scratch the surface of this wonderful place.
Flash photography is quite naturally verboten!,and much of the Temple is too dimly lit to accommodate proper documentation.
..I guess you just had to be there.