Confucius Temple Introduction
The founding origin of the Taoyuan Confucius Temple can be traced back to the 74th year of the Republic of China, when local figures such as Shih Wan-Chuan and Chien Chi-Piao initiated the construction of the temple to promote the Confucian ideals that represent Eastern culture and to serve as a place for the worship of Confucius. Completed in the 78th year of the Republic of China at Hutou Mountain, it is the last official Confucius Temple in Taiwan. The Taoyuan Confucius Temple is unique for its statue of Confucius in a standing posture rather than merely having a plaque as seen in typical Confucius Temples, which makes it a significant site of interest. Confucius, known as the "Socrates of the East," embodies the roles of educator, philosopher, and politician. His great teachings, such as "education is without distinction," filial piety, loyalty, faith, benevolence, and the value of ritual and music, along with related texts like the Six Classics, Analects, Great Learning, and Doctrine of the Mean, have greatly influenced Chinese culture and spread to Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. Even modern Western democratic scholars place a high value on his teachings. Visiting the Confucius Temple offers a deep appreciation of the beauty of Chinese architecture; the main part of the temple, the Dacheng Hall, imitates ancient Chinese palaces with its double-eave design, exquisite paintings, and layered brackets that exhibit a robust grandeur. The sculptural owl atop the golden-red glazed tile roof represents Confucius's spirit of "education is without distinction." The Dachen Gate in front of the Dacheng Hall is strikingly painted in red and does not feature door gods as traditionally seen in temples, alluding to the Analects' saying, "the master does not discuss strange powers or gods." The 108 door nails symbolize the great honor and dignity conferred upon Confucius. The Confucius Temple integrates "temple and school," differing from typical religious temples, as it serves both sacrificial and educational purposes. Inside the temple are various ceremonial vessels and musical instruments made according to ancient customs, and every year on September 28, a grand ceremony to honor Confucius is hosted by the city government to perpetuate Confucianism with ritual students performing and offering the eight-row dance, gathering the public to witness the solemn and grand occasion.
