Chiayi Shrine Temizuya Introduction
The "Chōzuya" (water ablution pavilion) of the Chiayi Shrine, which had been dry for nearly half a century, has been restored! Located across from the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum, the history of Chiayi Shrine dates back to 1911 when the Japanese promoted Shinto to advance the assimilation movement. The Chiayi office actively planned the construction of Chiayi Shrine. The shrine has two generations, with the first generation inaugurated in 1915, situated in front of the current Ri-日塔 (Sun Shooting Tower). Due to a large number of worshippers, a second-generation shrine was built because the space was insufficient. The overall historical site includes the ruins of the first-generation shrine, the ritual storehouse, the chōzuya, a rest area (gathering place), the ceremonial hall, and the administrative building. The chōzuya of the second-generation Chiayi Shrine was inaugurated in 1945, featuring a standalone four-column structure with an octagonal overflow basin in the center, containing a stone basin and a long-handled ladle. This setup allows worshippers to wash their hands and rinse their mouths, achieving a state of purification. To protect the historical monument, tap water has been connected and automatic water dispensing features have been installed, enabling visitors to experience the handwashing and rinsing rituals typical in Japanese shrines. It is hoped that the restoration of water will encourage more people to visit the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum and gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the shrine. An explanatory sign has been set up inside the chōzuya to guide visitors on its usage steps: (1) Use your right hand to take water with the long-handled ladle (each person may take water only once) and wash your left hand. (2) Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand. (3) Transfer the ladle back to your right hand and pour water into your left palm to rinse your mouth (or symbolically dab your lips with water). (4) Hold the ladle upright and use the remaining water to clean the handle. (5) Finally, place the ladle back for the next person to use. Those who have never experienced a Japanese chōzuya can visit the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum to participate. Afterward, return the wooden ladle to its original position to allow the next visitor to partake in the cleansing ritual.
