The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-09-11
From the Spirit Of -Hissions.
IDOL WORSHIP IN SAN FRANCIsco

Chinese inscription, and under it (probablv
the translation,) the words, "Sce Yup Asy-
lum, 1853" 1t is not moro than twenty
feet wide, and seems to be the only entrance
to wide passage, which leads into the
more extensive buildings, in the centre of
the square. 1t is tho hospital and club
house Of one Of the three great companies
which import emigrants from tho "Flowcry
Land" and where, believe, they have a
place of meeting and association while in
the city.
A notice was lately given, that great
religious festival, lasting for ten days, was
to be held in this building. The upper part
had been fitted up for an idol temple, and
this was its dedication, as the idol took DOS
session of his place OF worship. This, of
course, excited great curiosity, as previously
it was not known that the Chinese had anv
place Of worship i'll this city, Their only
religious ceremony seemed to be one in the
spring, i'll commcmoration of tho dead
Then, clothed in their richest dresses, they
walk i'll procession out to tho cemetery.
Accompanying them is Il wagon, with their
musicians, "making day hideous" with their
horrible sounds, and another filed with pro-
visions, among which goat, roasted whole,
with g'lded horns, occupies prominent sit
uatlon. After some services at the graves,
the procession returns, and the provisions
are eaten at their houses. When, there
fore, tickets for the inauguration were is
sued, signed by the "Committee of Ar
rangcmcnts," &. Athai and Ahing, there
was Il general desire to witness this display
Of Idol Worship in Il Christian land.
There WAS great rush the first day. In
fact, it was so crowded i'll the temple that
there was not room for the professions and
kneclings OF the Chinese priests and there
fore, notice WAS given that hereafter the
building would be shown, but all strangers
must retire from the place OF worship when
the services began. Passing the entrance,
VIC found long passage leading through
the building, to an extent Of which l had
no idea. 1t had been built ont into the
centre Of the square, in way of Which the
exterior gave 10 indications. A part of it
WAS occupied with kitchens, store rooms,
and ii! tie various convcnicnccs for an
hospital. Opening the door of room at
the extreme end OF the building, VIC saw n
dozen Cinnamon seated around, and were
salutcd with Il cloud of smoke, which at
once issued forth. One Of the inmates i'm
mcdittey started up to prevent our en-
trance, but we had time to see that it was
the opium room, devoted to the use of this
destroying drug. Some were seated around
smoking, while, On raised lounge, two
were lying with pipes in their hands, appa-
rently too far gone in stupc'action to rouse
themselves.
On the same floor is the large reception
room. 1t is gorgcousl y decorated with car
wings and Inscriptions, while at one end are
brown vases of grotesque shape, in which
incense was burning. On both sides of the
room, against the wall, on seats covered
with crimson satin, richly embroidered with
gold flowers, while next to each was a cary
cd ebony table. On these tea was served
to such as had any personal acquaintanccs
among the Chinese present. 1t was brought
in very diminutive cups, and without sugar
or milk. The Cinnamon (for no females
were presently were all in their holiday suits,
and made every effort to be polite and at
tcntivc to their visitors.
In the story above we were shown the
temple where the worship is held. 1t is a
room about forty feet long, at one end of
Which the idol-a superbly carved, painted
and gildcd wooden figure, life-size-was
seated on an elevated throne, surrounded
with all the decorations which Chinese in
genuity could devise. Before linn was a
high altar, covered with offering, in the
shape of provisions On it, huge rcd wax
candles, covered with cmblcms, were burn
ing, and incense was fuming up from the
bronze urns. Through the centre of the
room was long table, covered, like the al
tar, with every conceivable delicacy in the
Asiatic style: dried and fresh fruits of all
kinds, cakes, wines and tea. The fish were
cooked whole, their heads giIdcd, and their
fins and tails painted gaudy colors. The
birds were standing up in the attitudes of
life. The centre of the table was filed with
hog, some four feet long, roasted whole.
The entire feast, indeed, made beautiful
appearance, and showed that Chinese din
ner-table, from the ingenuity of the dishes,
must be very picturesque affair.
The temple was hung round with gorge
ously carved and gilded wood; inscriptions
in every variety Of color; flags and pictu.
rescue transparent maps. 1t was, indeed,