Temple of Chiean

Purpose / Function

The temple was built as a place to worship Chiean: to pray, to offer sacrifices, and to inquire of her chosen farseer.
It's tradition that on the day a Feng child comes of age (the 17th birthday in some regions, 25th in others), they and their family (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...) go to the Temple of Chiean and a gift is bestowed on the child by the farseer. Sometimes this is a gift of ancient knowledge, sometimes the revealing of the child's true purpose or passion, sometimes a gift of limited farseeing. This ceremony takes place in the Inner Court, just shy of where the farseer dwells. The child's family remains in the Outer Court while the child enters the Inner Court and asks the farseer for a gift from Chiean. The farseer asks questions about the child to judge their character before withdrawing to convene with Chiean. Just when the child begins to wonder if the farseer has gotten distracted or Chiean has denied their request, the farseer returns with a blessing and a promise that the child will receive a gift. After a final birthday-specific farewell from the farseer, the child returns to the Outer Court and announces to their family what gift they've been given.

Architecture

The temple is a square, single-story building of pure white marble with a pagoda-style roof of dark red tile. The front of the temple has a veranda supported by smooth marble pillars. The front door is made of mahogany and flanked by two wooden phoenixes painted in vibrant red-purple and gold. There are slatted mahogany windows on every wall to allow in some sunlight. Inside, the floor is made of bamboo and the walls are lined with calligraphic tapestries.

Type

Temple / Religious complex

Parent Location

Shanaia

Owner

Chiean

Owning Organization

Virilia