Taipei’s Longshan Temple on Friday announced that it will ban incense burning at the temple starting March 13. That’s after it banned candle burning in May last year.
The temple said the purpose of the ban is environmental and public health concerns. The temple said worshippers can instead clasp their hands together in prayer. It said that worshipper’s sincerity is what truly matters.
The 281-year-old temple banned burning candles last year after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire. There were also reports that air quality around the temple was poor. This year, the temple decided to ban incense burning. Worshippers will be asked to refrain from bringing their own incense.