The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1885-07-30

ceremonies are gong on. Ano temphy
itself, entirely new, Is finely decorated
with both permanent and temporary
ornamentationa Among the first are
frescoes and wood-carvings and figures
in bas-relief; among the second, ban
ners, flower baskets and pictures.
Buddhist priests are praying to Buddha
in the central hall, while in the back
hall, where the shrine OF the chief deity
is situated. iocks OF worshipers fit 70
and fro making offerings of food. light
ing candles and burning incense. There
is no scene in China more animated.
Everybody who has any religion in him
comes to worship and ask some favor
Of the god, and each person leaves
more or less money with the keepers OF
the temple. In my native city festivals
similar TO this occur two or three times
in the week in different parts of the
town. OF course the schools are kept
open on such fesal days, otherwise lit
tic study could b. accomplished.
Schoolboys 60 to the shows in the
evening and girls too. sometimes, 60
by themselves to enjoy the sights.
But there are holidays which may be
called national. since they are observed
all over the country.
First and most important are the New
Year holidays, which are celebrated with
as much eclat rs unceas ng firing Of
pyrotechnics. calls of ceremony and
universal goodwill and Joy will contri.
butte. Debts are paid up at the end Of
the year, and for the first week or two
little or no business is transacted. Every
one gives himself up to jollity. Chill
dren on such days are surfeited with
sweetmeats, and holes are made in their
holiday clothes by burning fire crackers.
Largesses are bestowed upon both chill
dren and servants, while bcggars are
also remembered, so that this season is
really the most joyous of tile year the
time when charity is most charitable
and benevolence assumes more be-
nevolent aspect.
Next in order OF time comes the Feast
of Lanterns. The main feature of this
fete, as the name implies, is procession
with lanterns of all shapes and kinds.
Soon after nightfall men and boys get
line, each carrying upon bamboo pole .
great paper bird, or quadruped. or fish,
inside Of which candles are lit. Very fan.
tastic shapes sometimes are seen, and
NEUROLOGICAL books are ransacked to-
procure strange creatures.
Imagine three or four hundred Of these
lanterns passing before you. all brilliant
with rich colors Sandal-wood is burnt
in censers carried in small movable
pavilions, while bands of music mingle
their racket with the applause OF the
spectators and the well-worn Jokes Of
the men in the procession.
Last Of all an immense dragon about
forty feet in length Is borne along sup
ported on bamboo poles by dozen or
twenty men.
There is another procession similar to
this in the fourth month, only 1t takes
place in the daytime instead of at night,
and the large number and variety Of
lanterns are wanting.
In the fifth month are held the
dragon-boat races. These boats are
narrow and long, capable Of holding
about one hundred men sitting one be-
hind the other Each one carries q
paddle. and the boat is so made that it
can 60 just as we'll backwards Is for
wards. The direction devolves upon
the men In the ends Of the boat In
the center the idol from whose ward or
district the boat halls sits enthi oned
with an immense umbrella Of red silk
to keep the sun from tanning his COM
plexion. A band Of music accom-
panies each boat By its warlike
clangor 1t encourages the racers, while
its drum beats the time for the stroke.
Banners are given after the race, as
spoils of victory, to be placed in the
temple of the patron deity. The scene
on the rivers on such an occasion IL
very animated and the cheers OF the
spectators from the different districts
attest their interest
In the eighth month comes the Festi-
val of the Moon. answering to the har-
vest festivalin Western countries. What
are called "moon-cakes" are sold at
this season. If the year has teen pro.
ductive there will be a great deal of re.
joicing, Presents are interchanged at
this time as also at other festival sea-
sons. As the moon becomes gradually
full there appears in it to the Chinese
eye q man who is climbing tree. The
full moon is greeted with much cere.
mony, and the night on which the
luminary appears ct its brightest ID
passed in feasting and rejoicing.