Bok Kai Temple

The Bok Kai Temple (Chinese: 北溪廟) is a traditional Chinese temple in the city of Marysville, California, located at the corner of D and First Streets, and served as the center of what was a bustling Chinatown for a small town.

Bok Kai Temple
Full view of the Bok Kai Temple
LocationMarysville, California
Coordinates39°8′5.98″N 121°35′13.03″W
Built1880
NRHP reference No.75000498[1]
CHISL No.889
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMay 21, 1975
Designated CHISL1975[2]

History

In 1854, five years after the first contingent of Chinese arrived in California to work the gold mines during the California Gold Rush, a temple was erected in Marysville to serve the immigrant population. The foremost of the gods that are worshiped is Xuan Wu, (玄武 "Dark Warrior" or "Mysterious Warrior"), a deity in Chinese religion believed to govern the north and rain, hence its place of reverence at Bok Kai Temple, or northern creek temple.

The original temple was destroyed by fire, and was replaced in 1880. The temple remains a primary focus of the present Marysville Chinese community, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the temple.

Current use

The temple is infrequently used as an active place of worship, but is preserved as both a California Historical Landmark and as a protected property on the National Register of Historic Places. A Bok Kai festival and parade is held annually in the spring, during which time the temple is opened for ceremonies as well as for interested parties to tour. Other tours may be arranged by contacting the Temple caretaker.

  • The front view of the Bok Kai Temple
  • The gate of the Bok Kai Temple from the street
  • Bok Kai Temple historical marker plaque
  • The dragon in the parade at the annual Bok Kai festival

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Bok Kai Temple". Office of Historic Preservation, California State Parks. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
Further reading


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.