Monday, May 5, 2008Beijing
Each of the red double doorways marked with 9x9 gold nail heads is constructed with a high threshold—to get to the next courtyard or hall, you have to climb over the barriers that can run from a couple of inches tall to nearly a foot. The higher the step, the more important the passageway or gate.
As a sign of respect, one is not to step on the threshold, but over it, as it symbolizes the shoulders of the person inhabiting that hall.
If there‘s any place else on earth more steeped in respect and dignity, I can’t imagine where it is. Entering the Inner Court, you practically feel the heavy robes of history carefully draping over your own shoulders.
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