A massive foot-washing activity to demonstrate filial piety is set to be held in Taipei in October, event organizers said.
The activity, which drew 20,000 participants last year, is scheduled to take place on Oct. 11 in front of the Presidential Office Building.
Republic of China Sports Federation president Chang Chao-kuo (張朝國) said organizers hope that as many as 30,000 participants would take part this year, calling it an opportunity to “express gratitude for those who have helped us with love and dedication.”
Chang said that parents are not the only targets of this year’s foot-washing ritual.
“You can [wash feet] for your elders, teachers, coaches and mentors,” he said.
Chang, an athlete and former president of the Chinese Taipei Weight-lifting Association, said that a grateful person is more inclined to be thoughtful and therefore succeed.
He said he has seen many incidences of proud and not-so-humble athletes who would not heed the advice of their coaches or elders.
“Such athletes more often than not miss the chance to get ahead in their careers,” he said.
Chang said that young people should also take the initiative to show their gratitude to their seniors, telling them to “give me a chance” to return the favors they have received.
When the foot-washing event was first held in 2013, 4,363 pairs of feet were washed, shattering a Guinness World Record for the most people washing their elders’ feet at the same time.
The standard ritual calls for children to first bow to their parents, kneel to present them a cup of tea, massage and pound their backs, and then kneel on one knee to wash their feet.
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