Bok Kai Temple

Bok Kai Temple
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
California Historical Landmark No. 889
Full view of the Bok Kai Temple
Location	Marysville, California
Coordinates	39°8′5.98″N 121°35′13.03″W
Built	1880
NRHP reference No.	75000498
CHISL No.	889
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	May 21, 1975
Designated CHISL	1975

The Bok Kai Temple (Chinese: 北溪廟) is a traditional Chinese temple in the city of Marysville, California, located at the corner of D and First Streets, and served as the center of what was a bustling Chinatown for a small town.

History

In 1854, five years after the first contingent of Chinese arrived in California to work the gold mines during the California Gold Rush, a temple was erected in Marysville to serve the immigrant population. The foremost of the gods that are worshiped is Xuan Wu, (玄武 "Dark Warrior" or "Mysterious Warrior"), a deity in Chinese religion believed to govern the north and rain, hence its place of reverence at Bok Kai Temple, or northern creek temple.

The original temple was destroyed by fire, and was replaced in 1880. The temple remains a primary focus of the present Marysville Chinese community, who have dedicated themselves to preserving the temple.

Current use

The temple is infrequently used as an active place of worship, but is preserved as both a California Historical Landmark and as a protected property on the National Register of Historic Places. A Bok Kai festival and parade is held annually in the spring, during which time the temple is opened for ceremonies as well as for interested parties to tour. Other tours may be arranged by contacting the Temple caretaker.

• 
  The front view of the Bok Kai Temple
• 
  The gate of the Bok Kai Temple from the street
• 
  Bok Kai Temple historical marker plaque
• 
  The dragon in the parade at the annual Bok Kai festival

References

Further reading

• Tom, Lawrence; Tom, Brian (2020). Gold Country's Last Chinatown: Marysville, California. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press. ISBN 9781467143233.

External links

• Bok Kai Temple - Friends of the Marysville Bok Kai Temple
• Bok Kai Festival - Chinese Community of Marysville, California