Grandfather of Han Dynasty Emperor Revealed as Keelung Festival's Main Lantern Figure

The identity of the main lantern at the Keelung Zhongyuan Festival has been unveiled, revealing it to be Liu Rong, the paternal grandfather of Liu Bang, the founding emperor of China's Han Dynasty. This figure holds particular significance as the common ancestor of Taiwanese families bearing the surname Liu, tracing their lineage back to mainland China.

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang presided over the lantern-lighting ceremony on Thursday evening. The main lantern, provided by the Liu Tang Du clan association, initially sparked public curiosity due to its resemblance to the Earth God, a local deity. The Keelung Cultural Affairs Bureau clarified the lantern's identity, explaining its connection to Liu Rong and its role in representing the shared heritage of the Liu surname in Taiwan.

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Keelung Zhongyuan Festival is one of Taiwan's oldest folk festivals, now in its 172nd year, carrying rich historical and cultural significance. We welcome the public to participate.

This year marks the 172nd anniversary of the Keelung Zhongyuan Festival, one of Taiwan's oldest folk celebrations. The festival is a month-long event featuring a rich array of traditional rituals, including lantern lighting, parades, and ceremonies honoring the deceased. The city's 15 major surnames take turns hosting the event, showcasing a deep sense of community and cultural continuity.

The festival was designated a national cultural asset by the Executive Yuan's Council for Cultural Affairs (now the Ministry of Culture) in 2008 and is recognized as one of Taiwan's top twelve local festivals by the Tourism Administration. The event aims to attract visitors by highlighting Keelung's profound cultural heritage and the unique blend of ethnic and historical traditions that define the region.

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This is Liu Rong, the grandfather of Han Dynasty Emperor Liu Bang, and the common Tangshan ancestor of Taiwanese Liu families.