Strike-a-light Flat Joss House

CHINESE JOSS-HOUSE. --- Amongst the many recent erections in the district, perhaps the most singular in many respects is the Joss-house or temple, constructed last week by some of the Chinese on Strike-a-light Flat. It is built of calico strained on poles, in the usual manner of a digger's tent, and has a very neat verandah of the same material in the front of it, with a semi-circular shaped roof. On entering the penetralia the fantastic taste of the celestials is very apparent, a number of red pieces of calico, with Chinese characters inscribed, may be seen at each side and over the altar, if such be the proper term to apply to

the large table which is at the end of room. Above this appears a small red nich with a lamp swinging in it. Ot one side of this is a sort of square red tub full of little flags, containing a smaller tub likewise full of flags; on tile other side is a red box covered with Chinese characters. Perhaps the most singular object however in the whole affair is around earthenware vessel with the handle broken off, filled with earth and flags, which is the most conspicuous object on the altar. From its being intended originally for a totally different use, the employment of it as a religious article is apt to excite the risible muscles of the

Western visitors. Altogether the whole affair is so thoroughly uncommon as to be worthy of a visit from any one passing that way.

The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser, Wednesday 26 Oct 1859, p.2.

Strike-a-light Flat Joss House

Image Courtesy of: AI generated based on contemporary description