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Volume 075-3 - July 2021 (8 pages)
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Page: of 8
NCHS Bulletin July 2021
Bomb Day was another Chinese festival. This photo from1919. The Hou Wang Temple can be seen in the background far left. Courtesy Searls Historical Library
strange incantations, facing the idols, muttering or chanting to the time in their music. They
have reed instruments, which make a shrill
sound, something like a bagpipe; stringed
instruments, something like cornstalk violins;
loud sounding cymbals, and small muffled
drums. They keep good time. There seems
to be a method in all the performance, there
being a leader to direct all their worship. They
are transported by the strange orgies, seeming
to enjoy it exceedingly. At the music stand is
another band playing, and man sings in a nasal,
falsetto voice. In one stall is a woman weeping
blood. She is made up in Chinese style and has
streak of paint or blood running from her eyes
down each cheek. These poor heathens gather
about her and weep over their misfortunes or
sins, I do not know which.
In another stall is a white horse, which
resembles the one Balaam rode. In one is the
devil holding a court or condemning a culprit.
There are yet many others also, too numerous
for me to remember. My brother took me to
see them in the evening as well as by day; and
introduced me to their doctor, who is a very
intelligent man, and said to be a successful
physician, practicing among Americans as well
as his own countrymen.
The temple and the whole enclosure are
brilliantly illuminated, making a festive scene.
We saw them marching through the streets in
their quarter, which is called “Chinatown,” a
procession of priests, in white robes, holding
lighted tapers, and burning incense, headed by
their band, and others carrying the idols and
litters.
Their whole town was illuminated with
large Chinese lanterns and wax tapers. The
strange and weird music could be plainly heard
throughout the city at any hour of the day or
night.
The campmeeting is kept up about a week.