In the Republic of China, freedom of religion is fully guaranteed. All rational religious beliefs are respected, and the clerical profession has been fully developed. Both traditional Chinese religions and those of foreign origin all work harmoniously to promote their teachings. They also organize many projects which benefit society as a whole.

In addition to organized and formalized religions, there are many traditional folk beliefs to be found in Taiwan. The folk religious movement is in fact just as strong and active as the organized religious movement.

The Matsu Festival is held in early April every year in southern Taiwan, and this year the eight-day long pilgrimage from Tachia to Peikang in honor of the goddess attracted 50,000 followers. Huge feasts were held and piles of ceremonial money were burned, prompting many to ask whether the extravagance was worth the cost. "Why not build a bridge or a road, or use the cash for community development," was the question most frequently put forward.

But the issue really involves even deeper considerations concerning the true meaning of Taiwan's folk religions, what bearing they have on today's world, where to draw the line between rational beliefs and irrational superstition, and what beliefs are valid in a modern society.

The simplest definition of religion is a set of rituals directed towards the spirits. Prof. Li Yi-yuan of the Academica Sinica's ethnology department explained: "Religion is as old as man himself. 50,000 years ago, Peking man would break the bones of the dead, always in the same place. Perhaps it was some shamanistic practice. Paleolithic Neanderthal man also left traces of religious belief. The dead were all buried in the same place, and the internment was accompanied by ritual. Cromagnon man, also of the Paleolithic era, not only practiced ritual burial but also painted the deceased's head red. This is obviously related to some kind of spiritual belief."

Religion was passed on from primitive man to his civilized successor. In the process, it developed from a burial ritual to a complete philosophical system. Prof. Li pointed out: "The reason religious beliefs have existed so long is that they have an important social function. Religion does not only give man comfort in times of intellectual frustration, but also gives him a method of organization. More important, religious rituals are directed toward man himself, his society, and his universe. Ritual reaffirms man's existence and place in society. Religion supports the harmony of our world."

Many people wonder why Chinese religions did not develop in the same organized way as Western religions. This is an involved question, but one of the main reasons might be that Chinese civilization developed in the temperate zone, while most others, such as in Egypt and India for example, arose in the tropics. The Yellow River region is much less fertile than the Nile or Indus River regions, so people had to struggle for survival, leaving little time for other activities or time to think about what lay beyond this world. Therefore, China has no single organized religion, and no rich mythology.

In the Chou Dynasty (1111-221 BC) Confucius established a system of morality and logic. He taught that people should examine themselves to discover their desires, and that man should rely on his own power of reason. This moral system took over the function of religion in Chinese society. Therefore, in daily life, only in folk religions can spirit worship and rituals be found. Buddhist, Taoist and other traditional beliefs were added to the Confucian system.

About 300 years ago, the first migrations of Chinese to Taiwan began. The new arrivals struggled to make a living, but faced many unexpected natural calamities. Taiwan is on the earthquake belt, it is also afflicted by typhoons, and because its climate is tropical or subtropical, disease was more rampant. Under these conditions the spiritual needs of the people were greater. Matsu, Wang Yeh, and also local gods belonging to the Chuanchou, Changchou, and Hakka peoples became the focus of worship. Still, the basic body of religious beliefs on Taiwan never varied greatly from those in southern China.

Spirit worship took in Buddhist spirits such as Sakyamuni and Kuanyin; and Taoist deities such as the Jade Emperor and Empress. Historical figures at times became the objects of worship also. Their spirits were believed to exist eternally, and they could be called on for help. Examples of historical figures who are now revered are Matsu, Wang Yeh, Kuan Kung, and Confucius. The worship of these spirits also served another function. As the figures originally came from the Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian pantheon, they represented the morality of these three faiths. Folk beliefs were not just religious practices but were also used to propagate social mores. A study of the philosophy and social values of folk religions shows that they are much more than irrational and superstitious beliefs.

Prof. Li explained why folk religions and beliefs are now declining. "Man, in the process of ensuring his survival, often faces troubles and frustrations, natural calamities, personal tragedies, illness and eventually death. Religion has the power to help him, to give him the confidence to continue his struggle. Because man is a social animal he tends to live in groups. Religion has the power to direct these groups and consolidate social mores.

He continued: "Following the advance of culture and knowledge, these two functions of religion were gradually superseded by law and science. Today, the power of religion should be used to achieve the perfection of knowledge, understanding of the meaning of life, and to support the search for truth, goodness, and beauty."

[Picture Caption]

1) The incense used in temples. 2) This Matsu statue in Tainan is considered the most beautiful in all of Taiwan. 3) Flags and banners of the gods. 4) Embroidered chimera.

1) Carving decorative Buddhist statuary. 2) The "wooden fish" is a musical instrument used in the recitation of Sutras. 3) "Tuti Kung", earth god, and his wife. 4) Although some Tuti Kung temples are rather primitive, every year on his birthday the faithful can be found there praying for a bountiful harvest.

1) A flag covered with auspicious symbols. 2) Many people like to place prints of Kuan Yin on their altars. 3) A door god. 4) The Cheng clan altar in Hsinchu. 5) This old banyan tree in Penghu is thought by some to harbor spirits. 6) Putting the finishing touches to an idol.

1) Drums of the law. 2) A lion in Lukang's Lungshan Temple.

This Matsu statue in Tainan is considered the most beautiful in all of Taiwan.

Flags and banners of the gods.

Embroidered chimera.

Carving decorative Buddhist statuary.

The "wooden fish" is a musical instrument used in the recitation of Sutras.

"Tuti Kung", earth god, and his wife.

Although some Tuti Kung temples are rather primitive, every year on his birthday the faithful can be found there praying for a bountiful harvest.

A flag covered with auspicious symbols.

Many people like to place prints of Kuan Yin on their altars.

A door god.

The Cheng clan altar in Hsinchu.

This old banyan tree in Penghu is thought by some to harbor spirits.

Putting the finishing touches to an idol.

Drums of the law.

A lion in Lukang's Lungshan Temple.