Taiwan temple holds rare 'drum altar' ritual seeking approval for ancient ceremony

In a tradition found nowhere else in Taiwan, the Liuying Daitian Temple in Tainan is commencing a unique 'drum altar' ritual this August, a practice that begins on the first day of the seventh lunar month. This ceremony, held every three years, serves as a crucial step in seeking divine permission from the Jade Emperor to proceed with the temple's 'Wang Chuan' (burning of the royal boat) ritual. The temple's dedication to this practice, even during the 'Ghost Festival' when many other temples observe a period of quiet respect for spirits, underscores its distinct cultural importance.

The 'drum altar' ritual involves a specific ceremonial process led by 'red-headed' Taoist priests. Local residents from the Liuying area participate by taking turns playing gongs and drums, a practice that has evolved from a continuous 16-hour performance to a more manageable schedule from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. This adaptation aims to maintain peace and order while fulfilling traditional obligations. The temple's 'Wang Chuan' ritual itself boasts a history of over a century and is recognized as a significant folk custom, designated as a Tainan City-level folk tradition in 2022.

According to Zheng Baicheng, who is overseeing this year's ritual, the 'drum altar' is a means for the deity You Wang Gong to petition the Jade Emperor for approval of the triennial 'Wang Chuan' ceremony. The duration of this petition process varies; historically, approval has been granted as late as the second-to-last day of the seventh month, or as early as 10 days into the month. In some instances, the temple has waited the entire month without receiving a response, leading to the cancellation of the 'Wang Chuan' ritual, as occurred in 2008.

For decades, individuals like 76-year-old Liu Hanzhang have been integral to the 'drum altar' ritual, with Liu having participated as a drummer for 20 such ceremonies since his youth. Temple chairman Lu Chaoren noted that the outcome of the 'drum altar' is closely watched by devotees from surrounding areas including Xinying, Shanshui, Liujia, and Xiaying. The ceremonies are presided over by red-headed Taoist priest Chen Yide, who performs the 'troop training' rites. Participants from Liuying's four traditional divisions, Shilin, Guangfu, Zhongcheng, and Dongsheng, take turns drumming and playing gongs. Currently, the temple faces a unique challenge as the乩手 (spirit medium) for You Wang Gong has no successor, with a spirit medium for Xuan Tian Shang Di temporarily filling the role.

Historical records, including a 1954 photograph and mentions in American magazines, document the Liuying Daitian Temple's 'Wang Chuan' rituals, attesting to its long-standing cultural presence. The dedication of the local community is evident, with participants like local Dongsheng Village chief Ou Jisheng and even individuals with hand injuries continuing to play their part in the ongoing traditions.