Taipei City celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding yesterday with a ceremony at the Cheng Huang (City God) Temple to pray for continued prosperity and security.
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
PHOTO: WANG YI-SUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
On July 7, 1884, Taiwan's first governor, Liu Ming-chuan (
Hu I-shou (
Hu said that almost every city now has a Cheng Huang Temple, as in former eras people worshipped the city god to counter incompetence on the part of local officials.
Hu and Liao, who wore traditional long gowns, helped Ma to complete the rituals of receiving the god, making offerings and lighting incense, and then sending off the deity.
"We hope that by reviving such an ancient ceremony we can make citizens realize that Taipei is a city with rich stories and cultures," Ma said.
"Although Taipei is not as old as other ancient cities of the world, it is the city with the most abundant atmosphere of humanity," Ma said
Taipei City's 120-year anniversary coincided with the annual Chinese Valentine's Day, and the city government held a pop music concert at Ximending to help the community's lovers enjoy the festive occasion.
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