Dalongdong Bao-An Templec

Fire walking

　 Date  : 5th ~ 15th day of the third lunar month
　 Place: Bao-An Temple, Dalongdong, Taipei

      Dalongdong is in an area of northwest Taipei City. Its special location, at the crossing of two major rivers (Tamsui and Keelung rivers) in Taipei, allowed Dalongdong to develop before most of the surrounding areas and it is considered one of the oldest communities in Taipei. It was said that when the residents of Quanzhou of Fujian Province in China immigrated to Taiwan in 1742, they brought along two josses of Bao Sheng Da Di from the parent temple in Baijiao, and completed the beautiful Bao-An Temple in Dalongdong in 1830, with the engagement of master architects from China for more than 25 years.

      For the celebration of Bao Sheng Da Di's birthday, the residents put on a grand festival at the temple, starting with a nonstop 24-days "Jia Xing Plays" (family name theater) which are Taiwanese opera plays given on a rotating basis by the various family clans in Dalongdong, followed by continuous plays in the same style which are sponsored by followers wishing to reaffirm their vows or express their appreciation for the blessings of Bao Sheng Da Di. These performances can frequently last until May or June each year.

      On the eve of the birthday (the 14th day of the third lunar month), a grand touring procession of Bao Sheng Da Di takes place. The procession consists of various celestial sedan chairs, festival troupes, and festooned vehicles. Following the Bao Sheng Da Di's sedan chair, they traverse the streets and alleys to drive away evils and bring good luck for the residents. "Setting Firing Lions" is the most exciting activity: the worshippers tie up all sorts of fireworks with paper lion headpieces on a bamboo stand, and set off the fireworks in a splendid display of fire, light, and sound. On the15th day, the worshippers create some 10-meter long path of burning charcoal in front of the Bao-An Temple. After spreading a lot of salt on the path, the worshippers carry or hold the joss of Bao Sheng Da Di and run across the hot charcoal path with bare feet. This "fire walking ceremony" is an expression of the followers' faith in their strong conviction.