Taipei sees ‘The Story of Folk Worship’

Coming shortly after the traditional Chinese “Tomb Sweeping Day,” where families travel to their hometowns to respect their departed parents and ancestors, the exhibition acts as a reminder of the rites and reasons behind many of Taiwan’s traditional practices.

Inviting both young and old to rediscover the ritual custom of “bai bai,” loosely translated as “folk worship,” the five-month exhibition showcases a collection of information, artwork and insights into Taiwan’s cultural roots.

The exhibition will also feature a “Dragon Boat Festival Deities Costume Show” in early June, along with a children’s summer camp and a series of lectures in Mandarin.

Organizers also invited President-elect Ma Ying-jeou and Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin to speak on the importance of remembering one’s cultural and historical roots at the opening of the exhibition.

Ma praised the show as a channel for cultural understanding as well as for tourism promotion.

“The historical and cultural meaning of folk worship in Taiwan are equally important as the religious significance cannot be ignored,” Ma said at the opening ceremony.

“Through this exhibition we can fully understand that Taiwanese virtues of goodness, diligence, loyalty, and filial piety are deeply associated with folk worship,” he added.

Noting that his incoming administration, which is to take office on May 20, will lift the ban on Chinese tourists to Taiwan soon, Ma stressed that “the exhibition will not only help to educate Chinese visitors, but will also serve to promote tourism.”

The TSH was constructed in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period by prominent tea merchant, Chen Chao-chun, as a meeting place for the local gentry, Japanese officials and foreign guests.

Located on the banks of Keelung River, the European-styled villa overlooks Yuanshan and is said to have been the lodgings of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen during his trip to Taiwan.

The TSH was later founded as a museum of “Taiwan life culture.” The venue acts as a regular host to a broad array of exhibitions, lectures, receptions and cultural performances.

Chen Kuo-tsi, the founder of the TSH, said at the ceremony that folk worship is an important part of family activities, regardless of age, gender, or generation, and “symbolizes family reunions.”

More information regarding Taipei Story House and its latest exhibition can be accessed at www.taipeistoryhouse.com.tw.

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