Thien Hau Temple
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sat 30 Dec 2017 23:27
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Thien Hau Temple
  Thien Hau Temple, China Town, HCMC, is a little gem built in 1760, dedicated to Mazu, the Buddhist
Goddess of the Sea, we had to visit.
  Through the gate into the courtyard. To our left a highly decorated wall. To the right of the main entrance
lots of carvings.
  Inside, and directly above the main door (that is, you
have to walk in, turn around and look up) is Mazu,
it is believed that she
protects ships. She also rescues ships and people on the sea by flying around on
a mat or cloud. Mazuism is connected with traditions and beliefs from both
Taoism and Buddhism and . Mazuism is therefore an incorporation of different
aspects and traditions which have merged to form a new
belief.
   The guardians each side of the
door caused some chatter. He’s got nasal hair,
him on the right. No, it’s his tash. No,
he’s got more nasal hair than me. In I went for a closer look, odd,
he is definitely missing the right bit.....
  The
inner
courtyard, intricate carving
above, symbols from Chinese religion and
legends..
 Passing display cases, I enjoyed the joss sticks in the sunshine.
    The main
altar at the back.
 Just as we were looking at the Chinese candles a lady approached to light one........We
both began to hum ‘In these shoes’ by Kirsty
MacColl.
   I was so fascinated, I followed her,
she moved her right foot as if it didn’t belong to her and the young lady will
only come off those shoes – just the once, hopefully
just a sprain or a broken ankle as opposed to her neck. She slowly strode
outside, crossed the courtyard and zoomed off on her scooter......
        High on the walls each side of the
temple are colourful dioramas representing scenes
from a nineteenth century Chinese city.
  This tremendous teak totem should be stunning, instead it was filthy.
   Chinese writing,
a lovely column and Bear found
an ancient fire distinguisher.
   The display
cabinets.
   Wooden carvings,
donation prayer flags and a
wooden screen. Ooo time for lunch, Chinese
methinks.
ALL IN ALL FASCINATING
GOOD TO SEE REALLY OLD, MING CHINESE
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