Wanderings in China (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1886. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. TEMPLE THEATRES. Ecclesiastical Plays -- Entertainment for Gods -- A Blue Crowd -- Hunting Scene--Ballet--American Mission--A Fine View. March 29(A. I Have been very much amused to-day by a great "SingSong" at the Ningpo Joss-house, or, I should rather say, the great guild of the Ningpo merchants in Foo-Chow, for the place is really their club; and in China, a temple, with its attendant theatre, forms a necessary feature in every well-regulated club. I must say that of all the odd methods ever devised by any nation for combining amusement with religion, I know of none so quaint as the theatrical entertainments provided by wealthy Chinamen for the edification of their gods. In Europe we have had miracle-plays, such as still attract crowds to Ober-Amergau; but the intention of these is emphatically to convey deep religious impressions to the minds of the people, whereas the temple-plays in China are solely intended to amuse and propitiate the idols, who are supposed, in common with their worshippers, to have a passion for the drama, and to share their wonderful power of endurance as regards the length of their plays, some of which are dragged on for three whole days, from dawn to sunset. "Lingering sweetness long drawn out" exactly describes a Chinaman's ideal "Sing-Song," but to foreign ears the sweetness which so entrances the Mongolian is a torture of shrieking discord, which very soon becomes intolerable. One great advantage, however, is that these plays are all in the open air. Moreover, they are generally acted in full light of day, as in the province of Fuh-Kien, of which FooChow is the capital, theatrical performances in temples at night are forbidden, except on very special occasions, as are also illuminations, on account of the danger of fire...