1. 1. Cynthia PerezAnthropology 121Dr. Leanna WolfeMay 10, 2013
2. 2. This Chinese Buddhist Temple located in Chinatown is a great example of Chinesearchitecture that was originally created to resemble the lavish temples in India andother Buddhist countries. The sloped roof and pillars are what tell Chinese templesapart from others.
3. 3. Pictured is a woman bowing down andpraying, after placing incense into thecenter of the statue. Incense is used as anaid in prayer and it is also seen as acleanser of the surroundings.
4. 4. One of the gods this Taoist temple is dedicated to is Guan Yu, the god ofwars, brotherhood and righteousness. You are greeted with this colorfuldoor art as you approach the temple entry.
5. 5. In Chineseculture theelephant hasgreatimportance.Often seen asa cosmiccreature itrepresentswisdom andstrength andis one of themost commonanimals foundin Chineseart.
6. 6. Offering of fruit and flowers for the deities arealways found in the temple. Pictured here areoranges, which symbolize good fortune and wealth.
7. 7. Prayer and meditation is essential in the Buddhist and Taoist religion. Here followerscome to kneel before the statues to offer thanks and partake in daily prayer.
8. 8. Statues of gods are foundaround the temple withincense nearby. Having thesmell of incense near thestatues allows the smokeand smell to spreaddharma, which is theprinciple of cosmic order.
9. 9. Incense is offered toall who come in, a litcandle is placednearby to light theincense. Some preferto use candles otherthan oil lampsbecause the flamerepresentsenlightenment andthe spread of peace.Dragons are the biggest representation inChinese culture, they symbolize adaptability,power and transformation. They are animportant icon that is heavily used andrespected in Chinese art.