The Taipei Confucius Temple will present a new ceremonial dance and music on March 13 at the annual spring ceremony dedicated to the greatest teacher in Chinese history, the organizers said yesterday.
“This year, we have a great cast and the show has greatly evolved. We hope those who are fond of Confucianism, from home and abroad, will join us in the celebration,” said Huang Lu Ching-ju (黃呂錦茹), commissioner of the Taipei City Government’s Department of Civil Affairs.
Since 2008, the ceremony has been modified and blended with lively and contemporary ideas, said Huang Lu, adding that this year’s ritual would feature new ceremonial dance and music.
Photo: CNA
“Actually, the Ya Yue [ceremonial music] is a kind of continuation of the cultural spirit. As for the ceremonial Yi Dance, it is based on Chinese classical dance, but with a modern twist,” said Lin Hsiu-chen (林秀貞), an associate professor at National Taiwan University of Arts.
The key word is “harmony,” said Lin, who choreographed the dance, adding that the Yi dancers in the past would always face the temple or the great sage, but not the crowds. She said she wanted to adopt the dance into a more modern setting to interest the broader public in the ancient ritual.
Although there have been some new adjustments, the whole ceremony, including newly designed costumes and ritual offerings, would still follow tradition, the organizers said.
After the Spring Worship ceremony, the temple will also hold a festival and give guided tours to the public. Free food symbolizing good fortune will also be available, the organizers said.
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