452 proceedings: anthropological society 



Since the revolution of 1911 the state sacrifices have been quite gen- 

 erally suspended. Last September, however, President Yuan Shih-kai, 

 participated in the worship of Confucius at the temple erected to him 

 in Peking, and in December offered sacrifice to Shangti in the Temple 

 of Heaven. The whole burnt offering heretofore sacrificed to Shangti 

 was omitted and simple bows were substituted for the kotow. Sacrifices 

 to ancestors are made by all classes in their homes at the winter solstice, 

 and at eastertide all visit the family tombs and set out gifts of rice and 

 wine. 



The apparent failure of this religion to satisfy the longings of the 

 human heart is shown by the popularitj^ of Buddhism, particularly the 

 modified form prevalent in China, which instead of Nirvana holds out 

 the hope of immortality in the "Western Heaven." The restoration of 

 the state religion by the President does not mean the abolition of re- 

 ligious liberty; for the Chinese government holds that, as Great Britain 

 allows freedom of worship and yet supports one state church in England 

 and another in Scotland, so China may have its official religion and yet 

 grant toleration to other faiths. 



Daniel Folkmar, Secretary. 



