Collection: Chinese Folk Religion & Taoism

Chinese folk religion and Taoism are closely intertwined, and many people do not separate them. Taoists look to the Dao, the "Way", an unnameable source that holds all things within it and brings the universe forth. They believe people flourish when their lives are attuned to this natural order. The Daodejing, attributed to Laozi, and the Zhuangzi are central texts. Folk practice centres on gods, ancestors and spirits. Adherents believe the living and the dead stay in relationship, and that offerings, incense and prayer help bring protection and good fortune. Taoist priests perform formal temple rituals, while local people often mix Taoist ideas with ancestor veneration and seasonal customs.

In Taiwan, about 93 percent of people identify as Buddhist, Taoist or followers of Chinese folk religion. Many blend the three, and temples often house deities from several traditions. Ancestral and folk worship came to Taiwan with settlers from Fujian and Guangdong. In mainland China, Taoism is rooted in sacred mountains such as Wudangshan and Mount Longhu. In Taiwan and Hong Kong it is practised more freely and has developed its own features. Chinese communities overseas keep up these temples and family altars too.

Images are central to temple life. Shrines hold statues of deities and revered historical figures, such as the sea goddess Mazu and Guandi. Southern Chinese and Taiwanese temple roofs often carry ceramic dragons, tigers and phoenixes. Major observances follow the lunar calendar: the Lantern Festival; Qingming, for honouring ancestors; the Ghost Festival on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, with food offerings and floating lanterns; and the Mazu pilgrimages of the third lunar month.

Sources: Britannica: Taoism · Wikipedia: Taoism · ICLRS: Taiwan Country Info · Taiwan Tourism Administration: Religious Activities (Mazu pilgrimage) · EBSCO Research Starters: Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Festival)