Interiors of Ukrainian traditional residential buildings from central parts of Ukraine. Exhibits of the Museum of Folk Architecture in Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky on the pages of the album "Treasures of our memory" (1993)
The Hall of the Holy Mother: One of the Oldest Places of Worship
The Hall of the Holy Mother (聖母殿) in Jinci Temple (晉祠), Shanxi. Built during the reign of Emperor Renzong (仁宗) of the Northern Song dynasty (1023-1032).
The hall is part of the ever evolving temple complex founded about one and a half thousand years ago. Over the centuries of countless transformations, it has accumulated buildings of various periods and styles.
The temple is dedicated to Shuimu (水母), The Old Mother of Waters, witch-goddess of Chinese lore, appearing in the form of a dragon, a snake or a charming lady with a sword and a yoke.