Liudui Zhongyi Shrine Introduction
The Zhongyi Shrine is a memorial dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect their hometown and families among the Hakka ancestors of the Liu Dui. The Liu Dui Volunteer Army, since they suppressed the Zhu Yigui incident in the 60th year of the Kangxi era (1721), fought fiercely against Japanese rule in Taiwan until 1895, spanning a remarkable 174 years of volunteer militia history that is filled with heroic and emotional tales. The couplet on the front door reads: "Loyalty shines with the sun and moon, righteousness strengthens the mountains and rivers," while the plaque at the shrine states: "The achievements of the heroes of the hundreds of Cantonese in saving the country and protecting the people are immortal; the loyalty and righteousness of Liu Dui will forever resonate in history." Their valiant spirit moves hearts, and their loyalty and righteousness will be remembered through the ages. In the annals of Taiwanese history, their glorious military achievements are recorded, representing the "loyalty and courage" of the Hakka people and serving as a living textbook for local sentiments. If you visit Liu Dui, don’t forget to pay your respects at the shrine, expressing gratitude for their loyalty and patriotism, while praying for peace and health. During the Japanese colonial period, in an attempt to win over the people of Liu Dui and encourage them to pledge loyalty to the Japanese Emperor, the Japanese initially did not prohibit the local residents from conducting ancestral rites, even sending high-ranking officials to attend the ceremonies. However, they could not quell the growing animosity towards Japan. After their efforts to win over the locals failed, the Japanese military resorted to oppressive measures, shutting down the Zhongyi Pavilion and banning residents from worshiping their ancestors, which led to the shrine falling into disrepair. Under oppressive rule, the residents of Liu Dui endured long-term persecution by the Japanese, hoping that the Zhongyi Pavilion could be preserved. Fortunately, after the restoration of Taiwan, thanks to the efforts of local figures, the Zhongyi Pavilion was finally rebuilt in 1958 and renamed "Zhongyi Shrine." In addition to honoring the Hakka righteous people who suppressed the bandits in the late Kangxi era, the shrine also commemorates the righteous victims of popular uprisings in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era, the 51st year of the Qianlong era, the 2nd year of the Daoguang era, and the 21st year of the Guangxu era who died in defense against foreign insults. For the Hakka residents of Liu Dui, the Zhongyi Shrine is not only a place of worship; it serves as a sacred hall for pledge ceremonies before going into battle, and it has become the spiritual fortress of the Hakka in Liu Dui. Every year, the Zhongyi Shrine holds major ceremonies in spring and autumn, and it also organizes the Liu Dui Sporting Event, hoping to perpetuate the spirit of "protecting the homeland and the people, achieving both loyalty and righteousness" among the Hakka in Liu Dui.
