Ruling China By Mandate From Heaven
Since 1420, when the Ming emperor Yongle moved Chinas capital to Beijing, the city has been a hub for Chinas most important religious observances. Of all the altars erected to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing lies at the heart of it all.
Running an empire that held the worlds largest population, the Chinese emperors couldn’t just rely on intimidation and an effective government. They had to rule by legitimacy from Heaven.
As you enter this tremendous temple, a mysterious world once closed off from the average person is now ready to show all its mystery.
The Hall of Abstinence is on the west side. The emperor used this area to prepare himself for the prayers to Heaven. He would keep himself away from alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, and sexual relations. The hall was kept simple, for a luxury-loving emperor wouldn’t be favored by Heaven.
Standing opposite to this, on the east side, are the Animal Slaughtering Hall and the Divine Kitchen. Cattle, sheep, pigs, and other sacrificial animals were slaughtered and prepared for the ceremonies here. Almost 50 workers would have to work for quite a few days before they could get the job done.
In the hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras would practice their compositions all day and night. When the ceremonies began, no mistake was tolerated.
The number of antique instruments displayed in the hall is a big hit. And be sure to enjoy the mock performances, which are staged every two hours.
The Circular Altar, standing at the center of the temple, is the most important structure in the Temple of Heaven. A radial terrace, the altar was built for the emperor to worship Heaven. Dont skip your photo opportunity here, as in ancient China this was believed to be the center of the universe.
During the worshiping ceremonies held on the winter solstice, the emperor would bow down to receive his mandate from Heaven to rule China. A Chinese philosopher once wrote: if the ruler does things right, then the creative energy of the universe will be harmonious, the wind and rain will be on time, auspicious stars will show up, and then, the yellow dragon will descend from Heaven.
Now with the mandate from Heaven, the emperor is able to legitimately rule China.