Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1856-06-03
,[Frnm ihe Alta Cnlifornia. 4
Great chinese Festlyal g san Frau q.

From the Alta California;
Great Chinese Festival I'm Snn Franz
ctscO-- Worship Of an AdOl--- Work
for the Missionaries.
We dispatched a reporter yesterday NOR
ming to be present at the opening Of the
grand ceremonies Of the great Chinese Fes
tival, at the Asylum Building, on Pine st,
At an early hour the avenues and passways
thatlead to the main building were thronged
by Chinese attendants and many "outside"
barbarians, who were anxious to witness
the singular ceremonies. On entering the
Asylum We found large reception hall up
on the first floor. which was neatly and taste
fully arranged for the accommodation OF
visitors. A number Of elegantly cushioned
chairs were placed around the room, with a
small carved table standing between each,
for the accommod alton Of those desiring re-
freshments. We were shown to seat, and
, a most excellent dish Of tea placed At our ell
bow. The room was hung with various
emblems and pictures; and all the furniture
was most extravagantly carved.
IS After the introductory ceremonies in this
apartment we were shown to the upper or
main hall--the sanctum anctorum-where
the principal festivities are observed. This
was large hall most superbly furnished,
entirely with oriental decorations, and the
room was densely crowded by the worship
ers of the wooden god, as well as large
number of spectators. To describe all that
we saw is impossible, for want Of a knowl-
edge Of the language spoken, and want Of a
familiarity with the objects seen. At the
back end Of the room was the principal fea-
ture of attraction, which was superbly
carved wooden god, life-size, and gorgeously
arrayed with all the most costly decorations
known-to this singular people. The image
was seated upon throne surrounded with
all the paraphernalia and grandeur of a
prince.
THE CEREMONIES.
AT l2 O'clock arrangements were made for
undertaking the ceremonies Of the day, and
the attendants placed themselves around the
room next to the wall, and requested all to
retire except the reporters, for want of room.
Those who were participating in the festivi-
ties, or taking any official part were dressed
in costly attire Of long silk robes that reached
10 the floor, with various ornaments ofbeau
ty and value, and many Of them were high
ly intelligent to all appearance. They were
costumed according to grade, and from the
dress there appeared to be one higher than
all, who seemed to lead the services. One
Of the high priests. when all was ready,
commenced a sort Of nasal song, or n usical
defamation, when three of the dignitaries,
one Of whom appeared to be the "grand
Mogul," walked about the room, and oc-
casionally kneeling upon cushions that were
placed in front Of the tables, and bowed
himself to the floor repeatedly. Alta cer-
tain signal given by one of the officials a
small cannon, or some similar firearms,
were discharged in the yard below, during
which these in the banquet haH maintained
the most perfect silence.
Before the throne or altar was spread a
table loaded with the combined delicacies
of this country and the Celestial Empire
Burning wax candles of large dimensions
were placed upon the table, as well as urns
oifiburning sandal wood and vessels Of in
coense, the smoke from all of which made
very sickening and disagreeable smell in the
room. In the center Of the room was placed
"a large table, which was spread similarly to
the other, with the addition of half-grown
hog roasted whole, and another Of the same
size, dressed and ready for roasting. There
was also large ram dressed, but uncooked,
and decorated with flowers and colored pa
pers. The tables were bountifully spread,
and contained every conceivable article OF
delicacy, and all sorts of fruits, both fresh
and dried, as well as supply ofwines and
teas.
The ceremonies then proceeded, and the
various articles that were upon the tables
were handed to the high priest while in a
kneeling posture, which he raised to his
forehead, and apparently was offering them
to the gods, or sapctifying them to the use
of his countrymen. Most of the articles
We're presents from wealthy Chinese, mem
bers Of the different companies here, and
are. .sentin as congratulation to the parties
or companies celebrating.
The entire furniture and fixtures of the
hall were most eaborately carved and gill
ded, and exceeded in richness anything we
have ever seen here of the kind. The
wooden god was quite as wonderful as any
part of the entertainment. The gorgeous
display made about his lOrdship, and the SUI
preme reverence shown his wooden high
ness, were quite interesting to the outsiders.
All seemed to be in high glee, and enjoy
ing the festivities remarkably.
This Asylum was built by the Sea Ysp
Company in 1853, and is really credit to
the Chinese residents Of San Francisco. It
IS built Of brick, large, substantial and COM
modious. and will compare favorably with
any public institution in ourmidst
For the Telegraph.