(Photo) Temple of Heaven resumes sacrificial re-enactments

On February 1, 2008, a rehearsal is held at the Temple of Heaven to re-enact the guard of honor for sacrifices to Heaven in ancient China.

(BEIJING, February 2) -- Following a suspension of three years, the re-enactment of the ancient Chinese guard of honor for sacrifices to Heaven will resume during the forthcoming Spring Festival at Beijing's Temple of Heaven, the Beijing Daily reported.

The park management is also preparing to bid for UNESCO's recognition of the ceremonial activities as a manifestation of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The re-enactment series is planned to run from February 6 to 11. With 288 actors, each session lasts some 90 minutes and includes a "re-enactment of guard of honor for the sacrificial ceremonies"; "sacrificial music and dance"; and the Temple of Heaven ancient music." The re-enactment team will try its best to observe the original costumes and rites of the Qing Dynasty.

For the bid purpose, the park management has done a lot to study the original sacrificial music, flags and utensils.

Following is the park daily schedule: sacrificial guard of honor to start at 10:00am and 1:30pm; sacrificial music and dance from 11:00am and 2:40pm; and Temple of Heaven ancient music at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 15:00pm.

Scene of the rehearsal

The ancient Chinese believed that Heaven was the supreme ruler of the universe and the fate of mankind,and thus the worship rituals dedicated to Heaven came into being. There were specific rituals, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when elaborate ceremonies were held by the emperors.

The 273-hectare Temple of Heaven, the largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings in China, was built in 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty.

Intangible Cultural Heritage, as defined by the UNESCO Convention, includes such cultural manifestations as oral traditions and expressions; music, dance, drama and other performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practice concerning nature and universe; foods and clothing; and traditional craftsmanship.

Scene of the rehearsal