Glory days:Still another structure is the Tapestry Hall, completed in 1968. A number of exquisite Chinese tapestries, temple festival flags, antiques, opera props, and so on, are collected inside.
On the right as you enter, there is a display book provided for visitors to peruse. In it are pasted old photos about the lives of overseas Chinese collected over several decades by agencies of the Oroville town government.
Among them are several recording the celebration of the opening of the temple: one of a parade of people, with placards being carried in front calling for silence and clearing of the road, the divinities making their inspection tour from a palanquin, and believers following up the rear. This image brings the customs of Chinese at that time back to life. From the houses lining the street and the faces of the curious looking on, it seems that Chinese gods did indeed " immigrate" to America along with the sons of Han.
Another section is the Display Hall. It mainly exhibits items for eating, dress, residential life, and transport commonly used by Chinese at that time. For instance, there are embroidered shoes, ch'i-p'ao dresses, bowls and chopsticks, incense, ivory fans, censers, account books, and mahjong sets ... even grave markers are set out.
Besides providing spiritual guidance, the Lieh Sheng Temple also serves a ritual function. According to Jim Carpenter, it has been the case that Chinese on their way to try their luck in Las Vegas make a special trip out to the temple to pray for luck in striking it rich the modern way.
Next time you find yourself heading to San Francisco, don't forget to take a side trip to Oroville. Just follow the green stripe and it will lead back to the days of glory and tragedy for Chinese miners of old.
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You can find State Historic Site 770-the Lieh sheng Temple-by following the green line. With a rich collection, it is the foremost of California's "Big Three" temples.
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An altar used for offerings to Heaven and Earth is headed "Peace to All Under Heaven."
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A gold-painted Mitreya is usually laughing; look closely and you'll see this one is a bit different than the traditional mold.
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After years of reworking, the old and worn shadow puppets reappear in the embroidery hall.
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Lieh Sheng's precious holdings have survived floods and anti-Chinese discrimination.
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Lieh Sheng's deities carried on this palanquin during processions; it hasn't been used for a long time.
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From this old photo of a temple procession, you can see evidence that religious beliefs followed the Chinese to America.
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Displayed in the temple is a history of the Chinese of Oroville.
Lieh Sheng's precious holdings have survived floods and anti-Chinese discrimination.
Lieh Sheng's deities carried on this palanquin during processions; it hasn't been used for a long time.
From this old photo of a temple procession, you can see evidence that religious beliefs followed the Chinese to America.
Displayed in the temple is a history of the Chinese of Oroville.