Today (5/30), we were able to sleep in before we headed off to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. I thought this was such an interesting place to see because it was a lot different then places we have previously seen. When we walked through the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas it was interesting to see the sides around us lined with folk stories. I thought the way the stories were interesting and as you walked through you were able to see how they progressed. We then walked over to the Zuoying Yuandi Temple which was especially interesting because it was a temple shaped as a man. I thought it was interesting how the symbolism in this temple seemed to revolve around a snake and a turtle. Unfortunately, I asked about this but could not find a general answer. Both of these spots seemed to be more of a tourist attraction then an actual temple to pray in, but I found it interesting nethertheless.
We then headed to another temple in a similar location. One of the first things I noticed about this temple was how it seemed a lot darker compared to the other ones we have visited.
As shown in this image, you can see how the bottom part of this temple was still gold but the upper part seemed darker. I discussed this with Professor Young and we have come to the conclusion that this was due to the insents being burned. I wonder if this can happen to a temple, is this negatively affecting our environment. I know in some of the other temples we have visited they did not allow things to be burned, so I wonder if this is due to the safety of the temple of the environmental factors.
I also noticed in this temple that there were a couple life sized (or bigger) recreations of some of the Gods which I have only noticed in one other temple. I wonder why some temples have these but others do not and how it is determined what each temple will have.
We finished the day by a couple of us heading to sunset beach where we were able to see the sunset and swim in the ocean.
I’d also be really interested to know if the Snake under the man on the temple’s feet had any significance. There was another (fake) snake in a box on the inside the temple, so I am curious to know if there is any broader symbolism of the animal.