CHAPTER XXIX. 245

RELIGIOUS RITES The Three Great Religions--The Temple of Heaven--The Emperor as High Priest--Preparations for the Sacrifice to Heaven-- Buddhism and Taoism--Confucius--Origin of Chinese Religious Ceremonies--Vitality of China as a Nation--Its Amalgamation of Conquering Races--The Manchus--Some Nature Worship--The Festival of the Awakening of Spring at the Palace--Guardians of the Cocoons.