The Chinese Garden : The Magic of Lanterns 2004 [Montréal Botanical Garden]

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The Magic of Lanterns. 2004 edition

THE MAGIC OF LANTERNS 2004 Edition

The Temple of Heaven, Tiantan, is a unique architectural complex that has come to symbolize China’s capital, Beijing. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This is where Heaven, represented as a round shape in Chinese mythology, meets the Earth, a square shape. The Emperor would come here to make ritual offerings and conduct sacrifices.

The best-known building in the complex is circular, with three superposed blue tile roofs: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Qinian dian. It measures 30 metres across and stands 38 metres high, atop a three-tiered round marble base.

The structure is held up by four interior columns forming a square, corresponding to the four seasons, and twelve other columns set in a circle around them, evoking the twelve months of the year.

The second major site in the complex is the Altar of Heaven, Yuanqiu, an imposing circular structure 5 metres high, consisting of three superposed terraces of white marble. Its geometry revolves around the number 9, a powerful male number. The Emperor would bow down to Heaven at the centre of this altar and offer sacrifices.

Dragons

The columns of the Temple of Heaven are decorated with dragons, long. Dragons are imaginary creatures with great significance in Chinese mythology. They symbolize the Emperor and the male principle, yang. Dragons are very powerful and have magic powers. They are also associated with water.

Phoenixes

The phoenix, feng huang, is a mythological bird with long, colourful feathers. Images of phoenixes adorn the inner columns of the Temple of Heaven, where they are associated with the dragons. The phoenix symbolizes the Empress and the feminine principle, yin.

Imperial Parasols

Whenever the Emperor appeared in public, it was with all the pomp and ceremony due his exalted rank. Many servants would join the imperial cortege, carrying colourful silk parasols with fringes and ribbons. Some of the parasols were even multi-tiered.

Incense Burners

TBronzes are one of the oldest art forms in China, a technique mastered by artists since the Shang dynasty (18th-11th centuries BC). The three-legged incense burners are inspired by pieces from that period.

Decorative Silk Cylinders

To add to the splendour of the imperial cortège, servants would also carry long silk cylinders on poles, like decorative banners.

Portals

Within the walls of the Temple of Heaven park, monumental portals mark the most important halls and add to the grandeur of the site.

This event was made possible by the valuable support of our partners. We wish to thank Clarica, the Union des producteurs agricoles, Wong Wing and the Montréal Chinese Garden Society.