Some comparisons in Thien Hau temples’s architectural decoration of Chinese guilds in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

    The works of temples, shrines, and assembly halls of the Chinese people contain dense artistic, religious, and cultural values. That profoundly affects the daily life of the Chinese community and the region's citizens. The article aims to provide an overview of the architectural decoration of the Thien Hau assembly hall of Chinese people in Ho Chi Minh City. We have found out some differences between the architectural decoration of the assembly halls, such as: Roof systems, ceiling systems, column systems, door systems, temple covers, and specific groups of some Chinese guilds such as Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, and Chaozhou. Those above comparison factors were then analyzed to understand a part of this land's historical and cultural picture. From which we find out why the temples and assembly halls of the Chinese community have survived for more than three centuries and are increasingly accepted by Vietnamese people.