Why do people worship during the Chinese New Year in Tainan?
The custom of worshipping during the Lunar New Year in Taiwan has a deep cultural background and religious beliefs. The reasons can be roughly divided into the following:
- Pray for peace and good fortune: Baibai is a religious ritual where people take this opportunity to pray for peace, health, and good fortune in the new year. They hope that the gods can protect them from disasters and misfortunes in the new year.
- Respect for ancestors: Worship also includes offering sacrifices to ancestors, which is a way of showing respect and gratitude to them. Families will arrange ceremonies to worship their ancestors during the Chinese New Year as a sign of commemoration and respect.
- Exorcising evil spirits: Some people believe that the first day of the Lunar New Year is a day vulnerable to evil forces, so they perform worship rituals to expel evil spirits and protect the family.
- Temple fairs and cultural heritage: During the Lunar New Year, Taiwan’s temples hold grand festivals and celebrations that help pass on local religious and cultural traditions. People also participate in these activities to experience the strong festive atmosphere.
- Social interaction: Lunar New Year is a time for family and friends to gather together, and worshipping is also a part of social activities. Families worship together and gather to celebrate at temple fairs or banquets.
Things to note when worshipping in a temple
- Dress appropriately:
- Please choose modest and appropriate clothing and avoid revealing clothing or shorts.
- Be Quiet and Respectful:
- Please remain quiet and respectful while in the temple and speak softly if necessary.
- Turning off your mobile device:
- Please turn off your mobile phone or set it to silent mode to avoid disturbing others with loud ringing or calls.
- Follow the ceremony process:
- Observe and follow the flow of temple rituals. If you are unsure, observe the behavior of the locals, find relevant information, or ask temple staff.
- Respect the altar and the offerings:
- Do not touch or disturb altars, religious statues, or offerings, as these are sacred objects.
- Waiting in line:
- If there is a queue for offering or blessing, please be patient and wait for your turn.
- Dedications and Donations:
- If you wish to make an offering, please check to see if there is a designated donation box or offering area.
- Donations are generally welcome and help maintain the temple.
- Respect the Gods:
- When praying or offering sacrifices, temples in Tainan usually show respect by bowing or kneeling.
- When worshipping, please treat the gods with sincerity and respect.
- Avoid public intimacy:
- Avoid public affection such as kissing or hugging in the temple.
- During the Respect Ceremony:
- If you attend a religious ceremony, please be respectful and do not interrupt or disrupt the ceremony.
- Ask for permission to participate:
- If you wish to participate in temple activities, such as lighting incense or taking part in rituals, please ask for permission from temple staff or worshippers.
- Respect local customs:
- Please note that different temples may have unique customs and practices. Please always respect and follow local traditions.
- Leave quietly:
- When leaving the temple, please leave quietly and do not make noise or leave in a hurry.
- Usually the entrances and exits of temples are from the right and left, so avoid entering or leaving from the middle or the wrong direction.
Remember that temples are places of worship and reverence for many people, so be mindful of your behavior, respect local customs, and be reverent.
2025 Tainan New Year Worship︱Tainan Tiangong Temple
According to legend, the founding history of Taiwan’s first temple, the Temple of Heaven, can be traced back to the 15th year of the Yongli reign of the Zheng family. It was the place where Zheng Chenggong built an altar to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth after he came to Taiwan. Since then, private households have taken turns to offer sacrifices there until the temple was officially built in the 4th year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1854). The main deity enshrined in the temple is the Jade Emperor, the highest deity in Taoist beliefs. The “One-Character Plaque” in front of the main hall is one of the four famous plaques in the city and is worth a look.
Main deity: Jade Emperor
Worship: Tianyi Zhenren, Tianguan Dadi, Sanqing Daozu, Zhang Tianshi, Diguan Dadi, Taibai Jinxing, Siming Zaojun, Puhua Tianzun, Jiuhuang Dadi, Shuiguan Dadi, Taiyi Zhenren
Address: No. 16, Lane 84, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City Tel: 06-2227983 Official website: https://www.tian.org.tw/2025 Tainan New Year Worship︱Tainan Luermen Tianhou Temple
When talking about temples in Tainan, we have to introduce the important Tainan Luermen Tianhou Temple. With its long history and profound cultural heritage, it is one of the most important faith centers in the hearts of Tainan people, and it also attracts tourists and believers from all over the world to come and worship. Luermen Tianhou Temple enshrines Mazu (Holy Mother of Heaven), the patron saint of the sea and protector of fishermen and boats. Every year, especially during the Lunar New Year, thousands of believers flock to the temples to participate in grand ceremonies and celebrations to pray for peace and good fortune. The atmosphere inside the temple is full of piety and peace, providing a place for believers to find spiritual sustenance. The Luermen Tianhou Temple was rebuilt in 1977. It was designed by Chen Zonggan and adopts the traditional "hall-style" layout of the ancient Confucius Temple. The main hall is surrounded by the Sanchuan Hall, the rear hall and the left and right wing rooms in the center. Two corridors connect the Sanchuan Hall to the main hall. The main hall stands on a nine-step raised platform. The rear hall has two fewer steps than the main hall, and both are elevated to highlight their solemnity. The memorial archway in front of the temple is divided into three sections. There is a reception pavilion in the front left and a Nine Dragon Altar in the front right. All three are temporary antique buildings. The Taijiang Welcoming God Ceremony of Luermen Tianhou Temple is a procession of Mazu from Luermen Tianhou Temple. It is held to pacify the local area and to connect with friendly temples. It is inspired by Mazu and has been held in 1961, 1962, 1984, 1996, 2005, 2012 and 2021 (after 2005, it was held under the name of "Taijiang Welcoming God Ceremony"). Each time, the scene is grand and often causes a sensation. On the third day, when the temple is returned to Luermen Tianhou Temple, the sedan chairs and processions are gathered together. It is a grand event in the folk custom world and a great opportunity to watch the procession performances in Tainan.
Address: No. 136, Mazu Temple 1st Street, Annan District, Tainan City Tel: (06)2841386-7 Fax: (06)2840317 Email: service@luerhmen.org.tw Official website: https://www.luerhmen.org.tw/index.php https://www.luerhmen.org.tw/index.php2024 Tainan New Year Worship︱Nan Kunshen Dai Tianfu
#The largest Wangye faith center in Taiwan Nankunshen Daitianfu is located on the coast of Beimen. Legend has it that a local fisherman picked up a small boat carrying five statues of gods, so he enshrined the statues in a thatched hut, burning incense and worshiping them in the morning and evening. As a result, from that day on, whenever the fishermen went out to sea to fish, they would return with a full load. After the story spread, the incense became increasingly popular, and a temple was built in a chosen location, gradually becoming the local center of faith. The reconstruction during the Japanese colonial period demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship in stone carving, painting, and paper cutting, and was rated as a national monument. The national folk custom "Nan Kunshen Dai Tianfu Five Prefectures Thousand-Year-Old Incense Worship Period" The miraculous deeds of the Five Prefectures Thousand-Year-Old attracted people from all over the country to come and divide the spirits. To date, there are more than 17,000 temples in Taiwan that divide the spirits. Main deities: Li Fu Qiansui (the Great King), Chi Fu Qiansui (the Second King), Wu Fu Qiansui (the Third King), Zhu Fu Qiansui (the Fourth King), Fan Fu Qiansui (the Fifth King) Worship: Jade Emperor, Guanyin Buddha, Wanshan Ye (son), Zhongjunfu, Chenghuangye, Tiger General, Ksitigarbha, Zhushengniangniang, Fudezhengshen, Yuelao Shenjun
Address: No. 976, Kunjiang, Beimen District, Tainan City Tel: 06-7863711 Official website: http://www.nkstemple.org.tw/index.htm2024 Tainan New Year Worship︱Sidian Wu Temple
The Sidianwu Temple is located in the West Central District of Tainan City. It is very old and is listed as a national first-class historical site in Taiwan. It is also an important cultural asset of Tainan City. The temple houses numerous historically valuable artifacts and artworks, including exquisite carvings, paintings, and ritual implements, reflecting the rich diversity of Taiwan’s religions and cultures.
The Sidianwu Temple was founded during the Zheng Dynasty and is more than 350 years old. The main deity is Guandi (Guan Gong), and it is the only Guandi temple in Taiwan that is included in the official worship rites. Guandijun is the "God of War" in ancient times. Because of his justice, bravery and loyalty, he is also revered as the chief god in various industries and is believed to bring prosperity to business. At the same time, Guandijun is also revered by Buddhists as "Galan Venerable", which means the patron saint of Buddhist temples and Buddhism.
Main deity: Guandi
Worship: Shangyuan Tianguan God, Fude Zhengshen, Zitong Emperor, Guanyin Buddha, Zhusheng Niangniang, Ma Shiye, Fuyou Emperor, Guan Pingye, Yue Lao Shenjun, Weituo Bodhisattva, Huode Xingjun, Kuidou Xingjun, Diguan Dadi, Taisui Xingjun, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Doumu Xingjun, Zhuyi Xingjun, Yaoshi Liuliguang Tathagata Buddha, Shuiguan Dadi, General Zhoucang
Address: No. 229, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City Tel: +886-6-2202390 Opening hours: Monday toSunday 05:30 – 21:00 Ticket Information:Free Ticket2024 Tainan New Year Worship︱Datianhou Temple
Located near Chihkan Tower, the Grand Mazu Temple is the first Mazu temple in Taiwan to be officially worshipped. It is the earliest government-built Mazu temple in Taiwan, commonly known as the Grand Mazu Temple. There are festivals every spring and autumn, and only officials, gentry and businessmen are allowed to participate. Now it is a pilgrimage site that Mazu believers cannot miss.
The temple was originally a royal residence
In addition to its reputation as "the best in Taiwan", the architectural predecessor of the Grand Matsu Temple also has a great history. This was originally the residence of the last prince of the Ming Dynasty, Prince Ningjing. In 1683, Shi Lang led his army across the sea to Taiwan and defeated Zheng Keshuang. Afterwards, in order to win back the hearts of the people, in view of the Taiwanese people's belief in Mazu, he specially requested the Qing court to convert the Ningjing Prince's Mansion into Tianfei Palace to worship Mazu. Later, the building was converted into the "Great Tianfei Palace" and it was announced that it was Mazu who helped conquer Taiwan. The following year, Mazu was canonized as the Queen of Heaven and the temple was renamed "Grand Mazu Temple," which became the first government-built Mazu temple in Taiwan.
The Matchmaker who helps people find their love
But the most magical thing in the Grand Matsu Temple in recent years is the Moon God enshrined in the back hall. Many single men and women often come here to worship and pray to the Moon God for fate powder and red thread to carry with them. The fate powder can attract fate, and when the red thread disappears, it means that the Moon God has tied the red thread for you, so get ready to welcome a good fate. It is said that many couples have been brought together, and there are even Japanese who crossed the sea to Taiwan to seek love and have won their sweethearts. This is another legend of the Grand Matsu Temple in Tainan.
Address: No. 18, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City Tel: 06-2211178 Opening hours: Monday toSunday: 06:00 – 21:00 Ticket Information:Free TicketExtended Reading
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