Old Beijing, Echoes of the Imperial Capital

Author: Xu Chengbei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: "Old Beijing—Echoes of the Imperial Capital" is a collection of old tales and shadows of Old Beijing, a cultural reflection of the ancient capital. It encompasses the bustling streets and local customs of Old Beijing, as well as the lingering regrets of the imperial legacy. Although some of these have been forgotten, others still leave traces behind. "Old Beijing" unfolds here. Excerpt: Religion as a Crutch for Rulers In feudal society, religion served as a crutch in the hands of rulers. Sometimes, when their own governance wavered, causing the "body of the regime" to lean, they would hastily use the crutch to steady themselves, thus regaining stability. As common people, when their suffering became unbearable, a sacred religion would appear before them. After a few words and some persuasion, they would be convinced, and their pain would temporarily ease or diminish. Such a social effect would naturally be pleasing to both the upper and lower echelons of feudal society. This is why religion found fertile ground to flourish in Beijing. What does religion use to attract followers? Sacred scriptures? The moral integrity and prestige of its leaders? The grandeur and refinement of its architecture? The distant and grand legends of its sects? All of these exist, but in some temples in Beijing, there remains a living inspiration. For example, in the Tantuo Temple in the western suburbs of Beijing, there stands a "Emperor Tree," a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree over nine zhang tall. Legend has it that when a new emperor ascended the throne, this tree would inevitably sprout a new branch, growing to over one zhang in a year. Each time an emperor passed away, the branch would split open, merging back with the mother tree. However, the branches that grew during the reigns of the Xianfeng, Tongzhi, Guangxu, and Xuantong emperors were mere handfuls in diameter. When the Xuantong emperor ascended the throne, over ten new saplings suddenly sprouted near the tree, and those who recognized the signs knew that the Qing dynasty was nearing its end and chaos was approaching. It is also said that one of the Xuantong-era branches soon broke. In summary, in places where religious ceremonies are fervently celebrated, there will always be legends and tales. Some phenomena may still be beyond the understanding of the people of the time, so religion provides an interpretation, presenting a "believe it or not" question to the masses. Those who believe are always the majority, and even those who do not believe, upon seeing it, may find it culturally intriguing and simply smile, leaving no room for.