Deities 'Taiping Mother,' Kui Xing Ye bestow blessings at Tainan department store exhibition

A unique cultural event is unfolding at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi's Tainan Xintiandi department store, where the revered "Taiping Mother" deity from Yunlin's Sixi Fuxing Temple is making a special appearance. This visit is part of the "T368 City and Country Product Exhibition," which runs until July 5 and aims to highlight the unique charm of Taiwan's townships under the "one township, one specialty" concept.

Visitors have the opportunity to partake in traditional customs, including the auspicious "drilling the sedan chair" ritual beneath the Taiping Mother's palanquin, seeking blessings for peace and well-being. Adding to the spiritual offerings, Kui Xing Ye, the deity associated with literature and academic success, is also present. Those presenting a student ID or admission ticket can receive a limited-edition "golden榜题名" (top scholar) brush, symbolizing academic achievement.

The exhibition itself is a vibrant showcase of Taiwanese culture and local produce. It features six distinct themed zones, including "Chiayi Good Products" focusing on local agriculture and artisans, "Tipsy Countryside" exploring wine culture and agricultural innovation, and "Tea and Rice Homeland" celebrating tea farmers and rice artisans. Other zones include "Sweet Charm" with small farm ingredients and desserts, "Taiwanese Kitchen" recreating home-style dishes, and "Taiwan Creative Selection" blending design aesthetics with local culture.

Interactive elements, such as DIY workshops and artisan classes, are also part of the event, offering an immersive experience into Taiwan's deep-rooted鄉鎮 (xiangzhen - rural township) culture. The presence of deities and traditional blessings alongside modern retail and cultural displays creates a distinctive blend of the sacred and the commercial, drawing crowds eager to connect with their heritage.