ABSTRACT
Contrary to Western belief, a sacred edifice in China enjoys no immunity from the powers of evil. Whereas the Devil is in mortal dread of Holy Water, according to Christian ideas, a Taoist or Buddhist temple and its vicinity is regarded as a club for all the disreputable spirits in the parish. Should a bridal red chair pass its portals a screen must be erected between it and the door to prevent evilly disposed ghosts abandoning their usual recreations for the greater attraction of a wedding feast.
