S. Wells Williams

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The Middle Kingdom

In the drawing is represented the Emperor Hienfung, attended by his principal ministers, kneeling before the shrine of Hwang-tien ShangtÍ. Though no foreigner has witnessed this ceremony, a few words concerning this native representation will make plain the chief objects of worship.

Upon the triple altar, or Tien Tan (Volume I., p. 76), the central temporary shrine is dedicated to Hwang-Tien ShangtÍ, or ‘Imperial Heaven’s Ruler above.’ Upon the Emperor’s right, nearest the chief pavilion, are tablets to his ancestors, Tienming, ShunchÍ, Yungching, and Kiaking; the corresponding opposite house is similarly devoted to Tientsung, KanghÍ, Kienlung, and Taukwang. The small buildings behind and below these are the Taming chÍ Wei, the ‘Altar of the Sun’ or ‘Great Luminary’ (on the right), and the Ye-ming chÍ Wei, or ‘Altar of the Night Luminary.’ The last structure on the worshipper’s right contains tablets to the Chau-tien Sing, or ‘All Stars;’ to the Urh-shih pat Suhsing, or ‘Twenty-eight Constellations in the Ecliptic;’ to the Peh-tan Sing, or Ursa Major; and to the Muh, Kin, Shui, Fo, and Tu, or Five Elements—‘Wood, Metal, Water, Fire, and Earth.’ Facing this building on the left are shrines to Siueh-sz’, YÜ-sz’, Fung-sz’, and Lui-sz’, the superintendents of Snow, Rain, Wind, and Thunder.