SW 4th Ave and West Burnside
The original Portland Chinatown was south of West Burnside, around SW 2nd and 1st Ave. Eventually due to fires, floods, economic and political changes, the Chinese community was forced to relocate north of West Burnside to what is today considered Chinatown.
Chinese immigrants started coming to Portland in the early 1800’s, especially after the California Gold Rush. Many of these early Chinese people came to work on the railroads, others worked in mining, or in boarding houses, laundries, restaurants and other labor jobs. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by the U.S. Congress which made it much harder for Chinese laborers to immigrate. The Chinese population declined dramatically however, China Town remained a vibrant community.
The Chinatown Gate
The Chinatown Gate is hard to miss. It is tall—about as high as a three- or four-story building—and built like a traditional Chinese ceremonial entrance. The Gate has:
- Bright red columns (posts) that support the structure
- Layered roof with upturned corners, common in Chinese architecture
- Lots of detailed decoration in green, gold, blue, and red
- 78 dragons on the roof and along the top
- Most China Gates have 5, 7 or 9 roofs, as these numbers bring luck.
In Chinese culture, dragons are powerful symbols. They often represent strength, good luck, and protection. Seeing so many dragons on the Gate helps show that this place is special and important. The color red is the symbol of happiness, vitality, prosperity and celebration.
The Chinatown Gate was built in 1986 as a way to celebrate and strengthen the Chinatown neighborhood.. The gate, called a Paifang, with its 2 red columns is a gesture of Good Will. The front side says, Welcome to Chinatown. The other side says; 4 Seas, 1 Family.
At the base of the gate are 2 Foo dogs which are symbolic statues to protect Chinatown from evil spirits and harm. Together they symbolize the balance of yin and yang. The male clutches a money ball under his paw to symbolize control over the material world, while the female cradles a cub, representing nurturing and protection of the home. Traditionally, the male Foo dog is always on the right side of the gate and the female is on the left.
Time Capsule
A plaque in the ground near the gate marks where a Time Capsule was buried when the Gate was officially dedicated on February 14,1987. A time capsule is like a message to the future. It contains memorabilia, meaning special keepsakes chosen to represent Chinatown and the people who lived and worked here. The capsule will be opened 100 years after it was buried.
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Discussion Questions:
How old will you be when the Time Capsule is opened in 2087?
What things do you think are in the time capsule?
If you buried a time capsule today, what one object would you include to represent Portland – and why?
What challenges did the Chinese community face in the late 1800’s?
Why is the China Gate important today?
Vocabulary: Memorabilia, Immigrant,, exclusion, , Paifang,
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State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Multicultural Studies, Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources including artifacts, pictures and documents to identify factual evidence. Social Science Analysis
Visual Arts.5.PR2.3 Compare and contrast how art exhibited in and outside of school in museums, galleries, and other venues, including virtual spaces, contributes to the community. Presenting-Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Visual Arts.10.CO1.3 Identify and show how artwork forms meanings, situations and/or culture (e.g. popular culture, online and local experiences) Connecting artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context, to deepen understanding.