A growing system: Constituent elements and spatial evolution of ancient local Confucian temples in China

Abstract

Taking the constituent elements other than the main buildings of local Confucian temples as a research object, including memorial archway, screen wall, Pan-chi (pond), worship altar, sacrificial hall, pavilion and tower, this paper combines textual narrative and historical measurement to sort out the production and development history of these constituent elements. It analyzes the spatial evolution trend of Confucian temples to present the dynamic processes of derivation of constituent elements and spatial evolution of local Confucian temples. On this basis, this paper surveys the causes of the growth of Confucian temples from a macro historical perspective by considering political, social and cultural factors. This dynamic development process, sacred and secular as it is, will grow and last forever under the multiple official implications and folk beliefs.

Keywords

• Confucian temple
• Constituent elements
• Spatial evolution
• Causes