Temples are among the leading repositories of traditional art and architecture in Taiwan. Their red and yellow paint, blackened by years of incense burning, bear witness to the passage of time, but still reflect clearly the flickering candles lined up by worshipers.

Whether the temples are Buddhist or Taoist, they all uphold the basic beliefs of the Chinese people, and all gods may be worshiped within their confines, including Matsu, Kuanyin, Kuangkung, and even popular folk heroes such as Koxinga. Most temples look the same both in architecture and decoration.

Paintings found in temples include portraits, landscapes and those of birds, flowers, dragons, phoenixes, goats and deer. Every animal is symbolic, the deer, for instance, representing good luck, since the words for "deer and "fortune" are homophones in Chinese.

The most eye-catching paintings in temples are usually those of the two door gods, painted on the main door, based on two generals from the Tang dynasty, Chin Shu-pao and Hu Ching-teh. According to tradition, in the last years of his rule, Emperor Tang Tai-tsung was troubled by visions of ghosts in the night, and could not sleep as a result. When Chin and Hu volunteered to stand guard at the door, the emperor's nightly visitations ended. Afraid they would return, the emperor ordered that the images of the two generals be painted on the doors. From this, Chin and Hu became the traditional door gods.

Most of the themes in Chinese art can be found in temples, although the works lack the subtle lines, delicate colors and simplicity of brush strokes found in scroll paintings. Striking colors, such as red, yellow, green, blue and white abound in temple paintings. Deep red predominates because it represents justice and good luck, and is believed to ward off evil influences and assure tranquillity.

Over the years, the number of colors used increased and the images became more complex. But today, many of the colors have faded, and scenes have changed, as have the worshipers who still crowd the temples. But some things have not changed, such as red pillars with their inscriptions and twinkling lights, and the sincerity of the people who still light candles as they ask the gods to grant their wishes.

[Picture Caption]

1. In the past, people often hung lanterns bearing the family name in front of their homes. This old-style lantern carries the Tsai surname. 2) The paint has peeled off this oven used for burning ritual money. 3) Temple with a brightly colored exterior. 4) An evening drum and a morning bell give a serious tone to the temple. This is the large bell in the temple.

1) This old door still bears traces of paint used in the past. 2) Old door with ancient designs. 3)-5) Carvings and paintings on temple doors.

1) In traditional Chinese architecture, walls were sometimes left plain to show off the grain of the wood. 3) Believers often feel that by lighting a candle they can receive the god's protection. 4) & 5) Red candles are donated by the faithful, and red memorial tablets list those who have contributed. 6) An incense coil in the temple.

1) Ceramic urns used in the past have been replaced by plastic ones today. 2) An old teapot.

The paint has peeled off this oven used for burning ritual money.

Temple with a brightly colored exterior.

An evening drum and a morning bell give a serious tone to the temple. This is the large bell in the temple.

This old door still bears traces of paint used in the past.

Old door with ancient designs.

3）-5） Carvings and paintings on temple doors.

Carvings and paintings on temple doors.

Carvings and paintings on temple doors.

In traditional Chinese architecture, walls were sometimes left plain to show off the grain of the wood.

In traditional Chinese architecture, walls were sometimes left plain to show off the grain of the wood.

Believers often feel that by lighting a candle they can receive the god's protection.

Red candles are donated by the faithful, and red memorial tablets list those who have contributed.

Red candles are donated by the faithful, and red memorial tablets list those who have contributed.

An incense coil in the temple.

Ceramic urns used in the past have been replaced by plastic ones today.

An old teapot.