Chiayi Shrine Chozuya Introduction
The "Chōzubachi" of Chiayi Shrine, which has been dry for nearly half a century, has been restored! Located across from the Chiayi City Historical Museum, the history of Chiayi Shrine dates back to 1911 when the Japanese actively promoted Shintoism and the movement for Japanization. The authorities in Chiayi were keen to build Chiayi Shrine. There were two generations of the shrine; the first generation was inaugurated in 1915, located in front of the current Shooting Sun Tower. Due to the high number of worshippers, the second generation shrine was built. The overall historical site includes the ruins of the first generation shrine, the offering storage, the chōzubachi, a resting place (meeting place), a purification hall, and administration offices. The chōzubachi of the second generation Chiayi Shrine was completed in 1945 and is a standalone four-column structure with an octagonal overflow basin in the center. It features a stone basin and a long-handled ladle for worshippers to wash their hands and rinse their mouths, to achieve a state of physical and spiritual purification. To protect the historical site, tap water has been connected and automatic sensor devices for water dispensing have been installed, allowing visitors to experience the purification rituals similar to those at Japanese shrines. After the restoration, it is hoped that more people will visit the Chiayi City Historical Museum and gain a deeper understanding of the shrine's historical and cultural significance. Interpretation boards inside the chōzubachi provide guidance on the usage steps: (1) Use your right hand to take the long-handled ladle and scoop water (each person may take water once), wash your left hand. (2) Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand. (3) Switch back to your right hand holding the ladle and pour water into your left palm to rinse your mouth (or symbolically touch your lips with the water). (4) Stand the ladle upright and wash the handle with any remaining water. (5) Finally, place the ladle back for the next person to use. Those who have not experienced a Japanese chōzubachi can visit the Chiayi City Historical Museum for a hands-on experience, and after finishing, return the wooden ladle to its original position, allowing the next visitor to partake in the ritual of purification.
