Pagodas originated in India and spread to China with the spread of Buddhism; the word "Pagoda" means tomb in sanskrit. This is significant because in Buddhism, pagodas were used as tombs for high-ranking Buddhist monks. Upon the introduction of pagodas into Chinese culture, they underwent a massive architectural change to better fit Chinese architecture. Not all pagodas in China are tombs, however; many are just monuments, similiar to temples. (ChinaThroughALens, 2016.) Learn how to build your own pagoda with this fun, simple activity!
References:
"Sun and Moon Pagodas." China Culture Tour. 2015. Web. 4 Dec 2016.
"The Origin of Pagodas." China Through A Lens. China Information Center. n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2016.
"Yellow Crane Tower." Cultural-China. 2016. Web. 4 Dec 2016.
"Sun and Moon Pagodas." China Culture Tour. 2015. Web. 4 Dec 2016.
"The Origin of Pagodas." China Through A Lens. China Information Center. n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2016.
"Yellow Crane Tower." Cultural-China. 2016. Web. 4 Dec 2016.