Luzhu Dexin Hall Introduction
De Xin Tang is not only an ancient residence but also a living history book that witnesses the development and changes of clan culture. This ancestral hall can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, when the Chen family from Quanzhou, Fujian, migrated to Taiwan, cultivated the land, and built De Xin Tang as a place for family worship and cohesion. Today, it has been designated as a municipal historic site, serving not only as a spiritual symbol for the family but also as an important testament to Taiwan's clan culture. The beauty of Minnan architecture and the intricate craftsmanship present the first charm of De Xin Tang. The wall made of red bricks, delicate carved wooden doors, and the auspicious swallowtail ridge all showcase the exquisite skills of traditional craftsmen. With the sunlight casting shadows, the interplay of light and architecture transports visitors back hundreds of years, allowing them to experience the blend of history and craftsmanship. Unlike typical reconstructed historic sites, De Xin Tang retains traces of history, with its weathered brick walls and inscriptions left from various repairs throughout the years, each a mark of time. It is not merely a static historical relic but a warm, story-filled cultural space. The ancestral hall holds a significant position in traditional Minnan society as a place for family members to worship ancestors and pass down ethics. For over a century, De Xin Tang has hosted countless ancestral worship ceremonies and clan gatherings, emphasizing family unity and the spirit of “gratefulness.” For travelers, this place is not just a witness to history but also a profound understanding of the cultural values of traditional Taiwanese society. Through guided tours, visitors can learn how Taiwan's clan society maintains blood relations through ancestral halls, witnessing the resilience and continuity of this historic site through changing times. De Xin Tang is not only a historic site but also a vibrant space for traditional cultural experiences. It regularly holds activities such as calligraphy experiences, paper-cutting arts, and traditional craft demonstrations, allowing visitors not only to tour but also to participate and feel the charm of traditional Taiwanese arts. Imagine sitting on an antique wooden chair, holding a brush, and sensing the power of each stroke in calligraphy; or take up a paper-cutting knife, intricately carving elaborate patterns, each cut imbued with respect for tradition. These interactive experiences make culture not merely something to be observed, but deeply ingrained in the memories of travelers.
