Thousands protest call to curb incense burning in Taiwan
TAIPEI: The sound of clanging cymbals and blaring horns filled downtown Taipei yesterday as thousands marched in a colourful Taoist procession, protesting a government call to cut back on the burning of incense sticks.
About 100 temples took part in the demonstration, where performers carried statues of Taoist gods on their shoulders while others danced in largerthan-life costumes. Taipei police said more than 10,000 people took part in the protest.
Officials have been pushing to curb the practice of burning incense sticks and paper money along with lighting firecrackers to combat pollution on the island.
But opponents of the call argue that the rituals are a crucial element of their religious traditions.
Taoism and Buddhism are the predominant faiths in Taiwan, each with millions of followers and with worship centring around temple visits and festival events.
“It is very important. Our religion is upheld by the burning of incense,” said a 58-year- old man surnamed Cheng, who travelled from a temple in southern Tainan city to protest.
While some devotees knelt and bowed as Taoist statutes passed by, others engaged in more violent forms of worship.
One topless man was seen with blood dripping down his face after whacking himself with a serrated stick.
But Joyce Wu, 34, was unfazed as she watched, saying it was a common ritual in rural areas of Taiwan where she grew up.
“Gods can only feel our worship if we burn incense,” she said.
“I grew up in a rural village, how come I’m healthy and not sick? I think cars and factories cause more of a pollution problem,” Wu told AFP.
The fervour erupted after rumours circulated that the government was aiming to impose a ban on the burning of incense sticks.
But the interior ministry issued a statement last week saying they have no intention of banning the practice, but are encouraging alternative measures. — AFP