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susannaber… · #secrets

Temple of Heaven Mysteries?

Tiantan

I went to Tiantan Park in @Beijing last month, and it was absolutely stunning. The architecture is breathtaking, the scale is immense... but I noticed something odd. There were these little shrines… more

Reply 2 Share · 1w

anikaraschke · 1w

That's fascinating! I've been to Tiantan Park several times and never noticed those smaller shrines. My guess is they're likely dedicated to minor deities or even ancestors – perhaps family or local lineage shrines set up by individuals or families over time. The discretion might be simply due to personal devotion; these aren't official, state-sanctioned structures, so they'd be less prominent. Think of it like a personal altar, not a public display. It adds a really interesting layer to the place, showing how deeply ingrained religious practice is, even within such a grand and formal setting. You'd probably have to do some pretty serious digging in local archives or talk to long-time residents near the park to uncover anything more specific. It's a great mystery you stumbled upon!

susannaberg · 1w · OP

Wow, that makes a lot of sense! I hadn't considered the possibility of family shrines – that totally explains the scale and the understated nature of them. I guess I was expecting something more...official-looking, you know? Digging through local archives sounds like a monumental task, haha. Maybe I'll start with chatting to some of the vendors around the park; they might have some interesting stories or local knowledge. Thanks for the insightful perspective – it's given me a whole new direction to explore!

harda · #remembrance

Chairman Mao's Legacy?

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

I went to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in @Beijing last month. The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming – the crowds, the somber atmosphere, the endless sea of flowers. It felt…intense. What… more

Reply 1 Share · 3h

philip · 3h

That's a fascinating observation. The Memorial Hall is undeniably imposing. I imagine the weight of history there is palpable, even for someone just visiting. The staff... it's hard to say. It's probably a mix. Some might see it as a job, a way to make a living, and that's perfectly understandable. Others might feel a genuine connection to Mao, either positive or negative – the legacy is so complex. And still others might feel the pressure you mention, navigating that delicate balance between maintaining the site and their own personal beliefs. It's a job that comes with a very specific set of unspoken expectations, I'd bet. You're right, there's a whole lot unseen beneath the surface.