The Forbidden City

We braved the morning subway transportation to see what it would feel like to be sardines. Mission accomplished. The ride was short to Tiananmen Square. Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world. The Tiananmen Gate to the Forbidden City was built in 1415 during the Ming Dynasty. The Forbidden City was the home of 24 emperors (14 Ming dynasty and 10 Qing dynasty) for over 5oo years. Yellow is the symbol of the royal family, it is the dominant color in the Forbidden City. Since yellow was the color of the Emperor, only royalty was allowed to wear yellow. Thus almost all roofs in the Forbidden City bear yellow glazed tiles. There are only two exceptions. The library at the Pavilion of Literary Profundity had black tiles because black was associated with water. black meaning fire-prevention. Similarly, the Crown Prince's residences have green tiles because green was associated with wood, green meaning growth. Fire was of high priority at this time and many copper vats were placed around the palace to have water close by in case of fire.
During ancient times, the emperor was claimed as the son of heaven, therefore having supreme power. Their home on Earth was a replica, built to resemble the Purple Palace in heaven where God lived. A place so divine as this was certainly forbidden to ordinary people, which is where the Forbidden City got its name. A famous engraving is of The Nine Dragons Screen in front of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity. The main halls of the Outer and Inner courts are all arranged in groups of three — the shape of the Qian triagram, representing Heaven. The residences of the Inner Court on the other hand are arranged in groups of six — the shape of the Kun triagram, representing the Earth. Several rock gardens are throughout the palace for relaxing. The museum has many beautiful archeological artifacts.