Temples and worshippers around the nation took part in traditional ceremonies yesterday to welcome the gods back to Earth on the fourth day of the first month of the new lunar year.
It is believed that all deities go to meet the Jade Emperor [the emperor of the gods] in heaven on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month each year to report on people’s lives over the past year and to receive orders for the next year.
The gods then come back to Earth on the fourth day of the first lunar month to execute their duties.
During the time that the gods are in heaven, a few gods are supposed to stay on Earth to watch over people.
At temple ceremonies yesterday, deity draws — a draw of fortunes that is made after temple keepers ask the gods questions about subjects such as luck, marriage, and financial wellbeing — are held at temples to predict fortunes for the coming year.
Cheng Ming-kun (鄭銘坤), deputy director of one of Taiwan’s most popular temples — Jenn Lann Temple (鎮瀾宮) in Taichung County’s Tachia Township (大甲) — said that Matsu [媽祖, goddess of the sea] oracles showed that the nation will do quite well in the year ahead.
“The deity draw showed better luck this year than last year,” Cheng said.
Though the oracles revealed that the nation’s luck is only satisfactory, with people working hard together the future will be bright, Cheng said, adding that Matsu also said that hard work would bring fruitful results at the end of the year.
In addition to going to temples, people also pray at home or in offices to welcome the Kitchen God (灶神) back. The Kitchen God is believed to reside in every household, as well as offices with kitchens, and is in charge of looking after the wellbeing of the family or office.
Worshippers traditionally prepare offerings that include wine, fruits, vegetables and three types of meats — usually chicken, pork, and fish; paper money and deity papers printed with horses are also burned.
The horses symbolize the holy horses that are sent to heaven to bring the gods back to Earth.
Taipei County Shengtian Temple (聖天宮) keeper Master Hui-tsi (慧慈) advised people to welcome the Kitchen God by placing candies or cookies on the stove and to resume work either today, or on the eighth day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar [Feb. 2].
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