Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1880 — The Chinese Emperor’s Tree. [ARTICLE]

The Chinese Emperor’s Tree.

When Chunche, the first of the Manchu emperors and the founder of the present or Thing dynasty, ascended the throne ot -China he planted a tree in the court-yard of the temple called Tanche-ssu, which is situated in the hills a short distance west of Pekin. It is believed that the .ruling family will remain in power so long as this tree exists. At present it shows no stns of decay and has apparently a long life before it. Bat there is a still nkort extraordinary superstilntioo attached to tt; saplings sprout out periodically from .the root, and with the death or each prince one wither* away while a fresh one appears in honor of the new emperor. Bach sapling bears the same relation to ihe individual prince that the tree does to the dynasty, and not unnaturally the Emperor fat the time being watches with considerable anxiety the growth of his particular sapling. The tree Is named ‘The Emperor’s tree,” and it may be worthy of noting that the sapling of the present Emperor is takl to be exiremely vigorous and flourishing. This superstition finds very general credence, and the Chinese come from considerable distances to make their reverence to this famous tree. ADOtber of the costumes peculiar to the present dynasty is that no ‘emperor can be bnriedf id the same place as his predecessor. Consequently there are two stated burial places—one at Hsi-llng and the other at Tnng-Uog. Chunche was varied at the former, both Kaaghi and Mem Tung at the latter. Ihe psesent Emperor will also in his torn occupy the same place of sepulture ss the two greater of his ancestors. Pilgrimages are made

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