It's been almost three years since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. While the world is still grappling with the disease and its aftermath, one temple in Miaoli is holding a traditional ceremony to send the pandemic out of Taiwan.
Video script:
Onlookers watch excitedly as a wild display of firecrackers and flames light up the beach at night. But this is no ordinary bonfire. After a 30 year hiatus, the Baishatun Wuyun Temple in Miaoli is holding a King Boat burning ceremony.
In 2019, when China reported the first cases of COVID-19, Wuyun Temple worshippers said they received divine instructions to sacrifice a ceremonial boat to drive the Plague God away. The temple spent over NT$3 million (US$94,000) to commission famous artisans to build this boat.
On Monday night, worshippers filled the boat with ghost money and other offerings. After leading a procession to move the boat to the beach, the gatherers set the boat on fire.
There are several taboos when it comes to boat burning ceremonies. Folklore expert Lin Mao-hsien says the boat must burn out completely, otherwise the evil spirits may come back. People are also not supposed to call out each other's names or look back at the boat after leaving because it might bring bad luck.
Almost three years after the first reports of COVID-19, many worshippers hope that this ceremony may help drive the pandemic out of Taiwan once and for all.