“It is feared the temple, described as a one–of–a–kind example of Chinese sacred architecture, will not survive another rainy season.”
“HISTORIC BOK KAI TEMPLE IN OLD MARYSVILLE”
This is the first edition of the Historical Bok Kai temple booklet, published by the Marysville Chinese Community in February, 1967 (Chinese First Month of the Year of the Ram, 4665) in Marysville, California. Copyright 1967 by the Marysville Chinese Community, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the permission of the editor, contributor’s and the Marysville Chinese Community, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Posted with the permission of the Marysville Chinese Community, Inc. and Friends of the Marysville Bok Kai Temple.
INTRODUCTION
This booklet presents concise information on the historic and interesting Bok Kai Temple in Marysville. It deals also with the Chinese people who built it and worshipped in it and includes noteworthy items relative to the Temple and the community.
Three important purposes of the booklet are: (1) to record the rich and colorful history of Marysville’s Chinatown and the Bok Kai Temple; (2) to present a suitable explanation of the Temple, Bomb Day and Chinese customs and (3) to bolster the Temple restoration fund-raising efforts being conducted jointly by the Marysville Chinese Community and Marysville Yuba County Chamber of Commerce.
Special emphasis is given to the Temple, Bok I (or Eve) and other Gods and Bomb Day festivities which fall on the second day of the second month (Yee Yeut Yee) of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This information is presented in simple language so it can be comprehended readily by young and old alike. The Chinese words, spelled so that readers of English can sound them out phonetically, may vary from time to time. This is due to the many dialects used in the Chinese language.
Although careful preparation and investigation were involved, this booklet does not pretend to be a complete explanation of the Temple, Bok Eye or Marysville Chinatown. It would take volumes to do that. But this work, which has been a real experience and adventure to our staff, should provide readers a basic understanding. We hope it will create a sincere interest in – perhaps even a zest for – more comprehensive and detailed study of the subjects discussed in the booklet. – Reuben Ibanez, Editor