Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple is dedicated to Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and is one of the “Three Mazu Temples of Taiwan” along with Beigang Chaotian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple. Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, there are lantern displays, and on March 23rd and September 9th, temple fairs are held along with rituals for the Ghost Festival, which often brings rare liveliness to Zhonggang. Stone carvings are the main decorative feature of Ciyu Temple, including the entrance gate, exterior decorations, eaves, and pillars. A pair of green stone lions at the main door of the front hall is the earliest known stone carving masterpiece of the temple. The coiled dragon stone columns in the front hall are the only remaining pair of early dragon columns in Ciyu Temple, characterized by their thinly carved column cores. Among the most distinctive folk activities of Ciyu Temple, in addition to the “Zha Handan” during the Lantern Festival, is the “Washing the Port Festival.” “Washing the Port Festival” is the only summer Mazu parade in the country, taking place on Dragon Boat Festival, where Mazu leads four other deities around Zhonggang and conducts various rituals at the estuary. After the rituals, everyone must quietly leave while facing away from the estuary without making any noise, while the deities must face the estuary when retreating, symbolizing ensuring the cleanliness of the land and protecting everyone’s safety. “Zha Handan” occurs on the night of the Lantern Festival, where the divine palanquin, adorned with the deity’s statue, is escorted by four bearers dressed in “bare-chested,” “wearing money hats,” “wearing shorts,” “wearing cloth shoes,” and “holding brooms,” as they receive the welcoming of firecrackers at designated spots along the way. Why is it called Zhonggang? Although Zhonggang is located in the northern part of Taiwan, it is called “Zhong” (meaning “central”) Port because it was the earliest developed port city in Zhunan Township. In the past, people from the mainland arrived by boat, and due to their unfamiliarity with Taiwan’s geography, they believed Zhonggang was situated centrally between Lukang and Keelung, hence the name Zhonggang. **Zha Handan Brief**: Currently, the “Zha Handan” activity is preserved in Taitung and Zhunan. In Miaoli County’s Zhunan, the event features four bare-chested bearers lifting the statue of Xuantan Emperor to receive the blessings of firecrackers; in Taitung, a person embodying Xuantan is carried to participate. **Green Stone Lions**: The green stone lions were offered by devotees in the 48th year of Emperor Qianlong. They are finely crafted, providing a refreshing touch in summer with a uniquely moist texture, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion art piece in Taiwan. **Ancient Sandalwood Incense Burner**: Unlike most incense burners in temples made of metal, porcelain, or stone, Ciyu Temple has a unique “ancient sandalwood incense burner” that holds significant artistic value. **Jingjing Spring**: Legend has it that Jingjing Spring was dug by Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, while stationed at Ciyu Temple. The spring produces sweet and clear water, made of stone into a hexagonal shape, and is named Jingjing Spring. Although it has now been replaced by tap water, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
