Taiwan Temple Cleanses Speedboats Ahead of 'Ghost Month'

As the seventh lunar month, traditionally known as the "Ghost Month," began in Taiwan, the Donggang Donglong Temple in Pingtung saw a surge of devotees seeking purification rituals. While the temple's "Jigai" (warding off bad luck) ceremonies are paused for the month, the demand for "Jing Che" (vehicle cleansing) was exceptionally high.

Adding a unique twist to this year's rituals, two speedboats were brought to the temple by their owners. The owners, who use the boats for island-hopping tours, fishing, and camping, wanted to perform the cleansing before the "Ghost Month" restrictions took effect. They explained that the temple holds strong ties to maritime traditions, and the ritual provided them with a sense of security for their upcoming sea voyages.

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We must rush to cleanse the boat before the Ghost Gate opens, so we can go out to sea with peace of mind.

The rare sight of speedboats undergoing a "Jing Chuan" (boat cleansing) ritual even surprised the temple's experienced attendants. The ritual involved tying red silk ribbons to the boats and the temple's "Bantou" (attendants) waving burning talismans around the vessels, invoking blessings for safe passage from the temple's deity, Wen Wang Ye.

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Donglong Temple has a strong connection with boats. After cleansing the boat here, I feel more at ease when going out to sea.