Enjoy One of the Most Local and Marvelous Activities — Qianggu Ceremony During the Ghost Festival in Toucheng!
YILAN, Taiwan-(Business Wire)-September 17, 2009 - Do you know the most local and traditional ceremony will be held at the end of the ghost month on Sept. 18th in Toucheng. Qianggu ceremony is the most important cultural event, which will show you a totally marvelous and astounding travel experience in Taiwan!
The purpose of Qianggu ceremony is to comfort and commemorate ghosts who were not put into rest nor had no offspring. Before the end of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the “Gu rack” and “Fan rack’ are built. The Gu rack is named "Daota Rack" , with its shape like a pyramid. There are “Gu fences” on it made of bamboo tied with offerings and on the top, there is a "Shunfeng Flag" . This huge rack is very magnificent. After the Gu fences are all set, the competitions are held at midnight (11 p.m. to 1a.m.). A Taoist priest will start to " Jin bao zai xiang ", which is to stick incense in stuffed buns and then throw them onto the ground. After this, the priest will go down from the altar, walk around the seven-star light, chant the mantra, cast some salt, and finally, play the horn to finish the rite. Once the gong is sounded, teams immediately climb the pillars of the rack. However, each pillar is about 33 meters high, and there is a thick layer of oil on each pillar. Only the most cooperative team is able to win the competition. As the first climber reaches to the Gu rack, he will throw the cakes and biscuits to the ground for the crowds to grab and pick up. Then, he will keep on climbing for the "Sungfeng Flag" on top of the Gu fence. The first one reaches the top will cut the rope with a sickle, and take the "Sungfeng Flag”, which is with a gold medal for the performance. As the winner, he will also win the audience’s acclaims.
There will be a series of activities during the festival such as floating the paper lanterns on the river. The lanterns are normally folded in the shape of lotus flowers, with a light or candle at the bottom. People believed that the light will guide the water ghosts to enjoy the offerings and visit offsprings in the ghost month. The last two days are the climax of the Qianggu Ceremony. Please come to Toucheng to experience the traditional activity and visit other attractions in Yilan and the northeast coast of Taiwan.
There are numerous spots for natural landscape in Yilan and the northeast coast of Taiwan, such as Turtle Island, which is a volcanic islet in the shape of sea turtle, and is the best spot to appreciate sunrise; Beiguan Tidal Park is located in Toucheng Township, the crashing waves and the sprays of surf are impressive natural views. Furthermore, in the aspect of traditional art and culture, Taiwanese opera, pipe playing, and puppets drama are very popular and distinguished in Yilan.
Since the marvelous Xueshan Tunnel has been established and opened in 2007, travel time from Taipei to Yilan and northeast coast has shortened from three hours to one hour. With reduced driving time, travelers may have extra time to visit more attractions. Before arriving Yilan and northeast coast, you’ll be amazed by passing through the world’s fifth longest tunnel with a total length of with 12.9 kilometers.
More itinerary and information are showed on the official website of Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration http://www.necoast-nsa.gov.tw/ and the website of Travel King http://travel.network.com.tw.
Photos: http://www.cna.com.tw/postwrite/cvpread.aspx?ID=37769
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