STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) — The Sinologist’s Garden was popular as an oasis of peace and tranquility during the Ming Dynasty and was designed to be a place for meditation, study, and connection with nature. There is now one on Staten Island.
As you pass through the Moon Gate, you will see a lush landscape of bamboo forests, koi ponds, and teahouses. You will feel as if you have traveled back in time to another country. However, Chins Scholars Garden is just a short ferry ride or drive from midtown Manhattan and is located within the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens.
“This is a great opportunity for the Chinese people of Staten Island, locally and in the broader community, to know that this is their celebration and that their “It’s about bringing culture and helping people understand that we’re here to share.” “This garden was designed to truly celebrate the symbolism of Chinese gardens, which signify the fusion of man and nature.”
This is one of the few authentic Chinese scholar gardens in the United States. Based on the classical gardens of the Ming Dynasty, it was built in 1989 by a group of Suzhou craftsmen who lived and worked here until the project was completed. All materials were shipped from China.
“They were brought here, lived on campus, assembled and assembled using traditional techniques,” Baker-Vodore said. “We don’t use any nails or screws in the construction of the garden. Everything is done using traditional methods that date back to the Ming Dynasty.”
Vodoor gave PIX11 News a tour. Almost every feature of the garden is rich in symbolism. Centuries ago, gardens were considered more than just gardens, they were an art form and a home.
“It was a place for highly respected scholars. When their service to the emperor was over, they would retire to these gardens,” Vodour said. “It was a place where they practiced calligraphy and recited poetry, it was a ceremonial place for public events, but it was also the home of honored members of Chinese society and their families. ”
Snug Harbor’s Sinologist Garden has an authentic feel. The curvature at the top of the wall is designed to look like a dragon, a powerful symbol of Chinese culture.
The carp represents wealth, and the water in the pond represents life force. So-called “leaky” windows are intended to allow sunlight to “leak through” and reveal different views.
There is also a teahouse, a moon viewing pavilion, Gongshi Rock, and a rock-lined path where you can experience traditional healing reflexology.
Bridges and sidewalks are arranged in a zigzag pattern. In folklore, evil spirits and bad luck only travel in straight lines, so the idea behind zigzagging the path is to keep bad luck away and leave it behind.
Snag Harbor’s Sinologist Garden celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Due to wear and tear and the harsh Northeast winters, the garden needs some attention. Snug Harbor has launched a restoration project.
“Now more than ever, we all need spaces like this in our lives to be quiet, reflect, and take deep breaths,” Vodour said. “People come here and are amazed that we are in Snug Harbor, New York City. And the Chinese Scholar’s Garden is a great place for people to come here and find peace and quiet, reflect, and enjoy a beautiful place with family and friends.” It’s a place where you can spend time.”
