HO CHI MINH VILLE, Vietnam — Une petite statue de chien vert monte la garde à l'entrée de la pagode de l'empereur de Jade dans le quartier Da Kao de Ho Chi Minh ville. Ce temple de style chinois, construit en 1909, mélange des éléments des religions bouddhiste et taoïste, mettant en valeur le riche patrimoine culturel et spirituel du Vietnam.
4880 x 3232 px | 41,3 x 27,4 cm | 16,3 x 10,8 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
17 novembre 2011
Lieu:
Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Informations supplémentaires:
Photograph by David Coleman. The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai Tu or the Tortoise Pagoda, is a fascinating example of religious architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built in 1909 by the city's Cantonese community, this temple stands as a testament to the cultural and spiritual diversity of Vietnam during the early 20th century. The small green dog statue at the entrance serves as a guardian figure, a common feature in many East Asian temples. Such statues are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the sacred space within. The vibrant green color of the dog is unusual and may represent jade, linking it to the temple's name and to the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is renowned for its intricate architecture and vivid decorations. The interior is filled with statues of both Buddhist and Taoist deities, carved panels, and elaborate woodwork. The main hall is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme god in Taoism, while other areas house figures such as the Buddha of the Future and the Chief of Hell. One of the most striking features of the temple is its roof, adorned with ornate ceramic figures depicting scenes from Chinese mythology. The temple's walls are covered with colorful paintings and carved gilt woodwork, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly beauty. The syncretism evident in the Jade Emperor Pagoda reflects the complex religious landscape of Vietnam, where Buddhism, Taoism, and local beliefs often intertwine. This blending of traditions is characteristic of Vietnamese spiritual life, where different religious practices often coexist harmoniously. Today, the Jade Emperor Pagoda remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese religious culture and the enduring influence of Chinese traditions in Vietnam.
