Marysville Celebrates Bok Kai
The only temple honoring the god Xuan Wu in the United States is located in Marysville, Calif. Bok Kai Temple, the oldest operating Taoist temple in Northern California, was built in 1880 to replace the first temple which burned down in a fire. The Chinese population settling in Marysville during the California Gold Rush quickly went about their business building homes, shops, temples to honor their gods, and establishment of parades and festivals to celebrate traditions from their homeland. Bok Kai Parade on March 12, 2016 is said to be the oldest continuing parade in California since the 1850s. San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade (also on March 12) was founded in 1852 and is 165 years old. The music, costumes and good luck symbols are markedly different but the two events are both free, held on the same day in 2016 and if you happen to make it to Marysville the Bok Kai Temple (shown in photos) is expected to be open for tours.
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