An entire town in western Taiwan has decided to go vegetarian for a week. The reason has something to do with COVID-19.
While vegetarians aren’t difficult to find in Taiwan, it is uncommon to hear of an entire town deciding to stop eating meat. But that’s just what the town of Taixi in Yunlin County is doing. The move is temporary, with meat-eating set to resume at the end of the week. But with the exception of schools, where meat dishes are still being offered, the move is also all-encompassing.
On the town’s streets, you won’t find a single eatery selling meat. Signs let visitors know that it will be a few days yet before they’ll be able to buy meat dishes here. It’s fake meat or nothing. Even school cafeterias, while still serving meat, are adding vegetarian options to this week’s menus.
Why would a town decide to go vegetarian for a week like this? For ethical or health reasons? In order to reduce carbon emissions? It turns out the reason is religious and tied to COVID-19. COVID-19 is under control in Taiwan, so religious gatherings are still allowed. And it is for the rest of the world that a local temple is holding special ceremonies this week to pray for an early end to the pandemic.
The townspeople have collectively agreed to give up meat for a week in the hope that this sacrifice will move the gods to take action against COVID-19.