The triennial Wangye Worshipping Ceremony rounded off recently at Pingtung Donggang Palace. As a traditional festival exhibiting historical significance and cultural values, it catches the attention of people worldwide.
The festival is to welcome the five royal lords (Qian Sui Ye) who fight the plague and exorcise evil spirits. He is held in high regard in Taiwan’s ceremonial cultures. After three years of preparation and the eight-day festival, the ceremony was ended safely and successfully.
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Taiwan’s folk beliefs are merged with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. After a century of change, they have now developed into a unique belief culture. Besides the internationally recognized Matsu Pilgrimage (大甲媽祖遶境), Pingtung Donggang Palace’s "Wangye Worshipping Ceremony" is also one of the famous festivals held along the southwest coast of Taiwan.
The exquisitely carved royal ship resembles an antique warship. (Photo / Provided by National Scenic Area of the Dapeng Bay)
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There are 13 major procedures of the Wangye Worshipping Ceremony, including inviting the king, crossing the fire, detouring, holding a feast for the king, and sending the king off.
The exquisitely carved royal ship resembles an antique warship and is made of paper and wood which costs millions of dollars. The main highlight of the festival is the ultimate step – burning the Wangye Boat. It is hoped that the boat absorbs the doom and gloom and leaves Taiwan eventually, bringing the blessing of the gods to the public.
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