Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Faiths
Presbyterians are few in number but are politically influential. Aboriginals tend to be
overwhelmingly Catholic or of other Christian faiths; church steeples are a common fix-
ture in villages as are ageing nuns and priests from Europe.
In addition Taiwan has a small number of Tibetan Buddhists, Muslims, and a number
of followers of cults such as Falun Gong, Yiguan Dao and those that occasionally arise
around a single person.
The Main Folk & Taoist Deities
Those outlined here are just a few of the dozens, even hundreds, of folk and Taoist gods
you will come across in temples. Among the most important deities in the south, the
Wang Yeh (the Royal Lords), who number in the hundreds, were either once real histor-
ical figures (such as Koxinga) or plague demons. Today, they are regarded as general
protectors.
Matsu (Empress of Heaven) is the closest thing to a pan-deity in Taiwan. She is wor-
shipped as a general protector.
GuanGong, or Guandi, is the so-called God of War, but better thought of as a patron of
warriors and those who live by a righteous code. More generally he is worshipped as a
god of wealth and literature. He is easy to recognise by his red face, beard and halberd.
Baosheng Dadi (the Great Emperor Who Preserves Life) is the god of medicine. He
played an important role for early immigrants faced with a host of diseases and plagues.
The top god in the Taoist pantheon, the Jade Emperor, fulfils the role of emperor of
heaven. In Taiwan he is usually represented by a plaque rather than a statue.
The City God (protector of cities), also officially the Lord of Walls and Moats, is also
the moral accountant of the world, recording people's good and bad deeds for their final
reckoning. People pray to him for protection and wealth.
Tudi Gong, the Earth God (and minor god of wealth), has the lowest ranking in the
Taoist pantheon. As governor of local areas, he was very important in pre-industrial
Taiwan and his shrines can be found everywhere. Look for statues of an old bearded man
with a bit of a Santa-like visage.
Want to learn more about religious life in Taiwan? Pick up a copy of Mark Caltonhill's
Private Prayers and Public Parades: Exploring the Religious Life of Taipei.
