"Taiwan - Jewel of the East" a Taiwan Travel Page by Kurtdhis

Most Chinese in Taiwan are Buddhists. Buddhist temples, shrines, and statues are found all over Taiwan.In Changhua, there is a 72-foot high statue of Buddha, and in Taichung there is an even taller statue of Milwofwo, the Happy Buddha. The oldest and best known Buddhist temple in Taipei is Lungshan Temple, which is about 250 years old. "Lung-Shan" means Dragon Hill; the temple is always busy with worshippers and
tourists. Chinese usually do not go to a group service, but rather go to the temple Individually when they have a desire to do so. In Chinese temples, you will see statues and statuettes of other gods, goddesses and saints, and you will be impressed bye the elaborate roof carvings of animals and human figures. You will see incense being burned and paper money and food offerings being made for the gods. In addition to Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are also important philosophies of Taiwan.Chinese are very tolerant about religion, and they see no difficulty in considering themselves to be Buddhist, Confucianist, Taoist, and even Christian, all at the same time! Other Chinese don't concern themselves too much with any religion. Generally, it is important for Chinese to pay respect to older people. Children must respect parents; wives must respect husbands; brothers and sisters must respect each other. This practice is called filial piety, and is part of the philosophy of Confucius, plus a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and five thousand years of Chinese thought.

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Matsu Temple, Lukang

An outstanding place to watch people at worship is the Tienhou (Queen of Heaven) Temple,located at the north end of Chungshan road. The host deity here is Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, who is held in special reverence by fishermen and sailors. The constant hubbub in the temple and around its entrance gate reflects the popularity of Matsu. A ceaseless flow of worshippers fill the main hall, offering incense to the goddess and praying for her help.

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Today?s temple is the result of a renovation in 1936. The host deity here is Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, who is said to have helped the Ching dynasty forces take Taiwan from holdout Ming loyalists in the 17th century. The Matsu image that the Ching officials brought with them was then left to be worshipped in Lukang, where her temple became extremely popular because go the close connection of Lukang?s people to the sea. The opulently beautiful temple as it appears today was built by masters who were all especially chosen for their skills. Its Tachuan Hall, especially, is the masterpiece of famous masters, and the rear hall houses the admission-free Matsu Culture Museum.