Folk Festivals

Folk Festivals
Many traditional festivals in Taiwan correspond to the resting seasons of farming, providing relaxation to hardworking farmers. Although Taiwan has long since become a society of commerce and industry, folk festivals passed down through the generations are still an important part of modern life. In addition to being hardworking, the Chinese people are also very religious. Most people worship gods, fear spirits, and respect their ancestors; for this reason, some of the important characteristics of Chinese festivals and folk activities include prayers saying for blessings, warding off evil spirits, being in harmony with nature, and family reunions. The three most important festivals in a year are the Lunar New Year Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. All three of these festivals are times for family reunion and are rich with colorful and lively folk activities which attract many people. б@б@б@б@б@б@

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"Images of Taiwan" Home Page

**Folk Festivals**
No.F1. Photo by Larry Hsieh	62KB A pageant of Taoist deities parade before Chaotien Temple at Peikang, a popular religious city in southern Taiwan.
No.F2. Photo by Larry Hsieh	76KB Traditional lanterns, a handicraft well preserved in Taiwan, are hung inside Kuantu Temple in Tamsui during the Lantern Festival.
No.F3. Photo by Larry Hsieh	50KB Hundreds of lanterns light up the night outside Kuantu Temple in Tamsui during the Lantern Festival, marking the end of Chinese New Year.
No.F4. Photo by Larry Hsieh	51KB House-shaped lanterns are placed in the waters off of Keelung City during the Ghost Festival to shelter homeless spirits of the sea.
No.F5. Photo by Su-ching Chang	88KB Of the many folk activities held during the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, the Dragon Dance, symbol of good luck, is a must!
No.F6. Photo by Larry Hsieh	56KB Before entering a temple in Peikang, pilgrims first blow long horns to clear the way and declare on their arrival.
No.F7. Photo by Larry Hsieh	88KB Worshipers of Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, travel from Tachia in central Taiwan to the famous Chaotien Temple in the southern city of Peikang.
No.F8. Photo by Chung-hsin Huang	71KB Strolling along the streets to watch the beautiful lanterns during the Lantern Festival is a great enjoyment of the Taiwan people.