As we entered the Forbidden City, I felt as though we were approaching the Holy of Holies -- through several deeply tunneled gates, over moats, past expansive courtyards, finally ascending to Taihe Hall (太和殿). I imagine that those approaching the emperor’s thone in 1420 and after must have felt the same sense of meekness, as if coming before a god in the Most Holy Place. And in fact, I understand that the emperor was regarded as divine. He must have looked as such, with huge vessels of incense ever burning before him, draped in his ornate yellow robes, seating on a throne of golden dragons. The many gates, moats and courtyards perhaps served two purposes: protective barriers in the occasion of siege and procuring a sense of holiness.
If the Forbidden City was a holy place during its centuries of royal occupation, it has been desecrated by commercial tourism. Although the structures and artifacts are well maintained, the masses of tourists discard popsicle sticks and candy wrappers about the courtyards. I want to know how Chinese nationals feel about this once-hallowed space: Is it still sacred or is it equivalent to the Beijing theme park? Does a remnant of something meriting worship still dwell here? If I were Chinese, I imagine that I would feel a deeply spiritual connection to something massive and ancient, as the progeny of a great civilization.
rubbing for good luck
interesting reflection... it's a shame about that place, but it looks like an incredible sight to behold. thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)
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