An old Lunar New Year tradition has returned to Changhua’s Nanyao Temple, pitting devotees against one another to be the first to light an incense offering for Mazu.

In the past, as soon as the Nanyao Temple gates opened for the first time on the Lunar New Year, people would rush to the incense burner to be the first to offer incense. However, as the event often led to people pushing, falling, or even knocking over the incense burner, the temple changed the event to a proper race in 2021.

What was once a short sprint was changed to a 700-meter race that saw competitors showing up in costume. After arriving at the temple plaza, elders lead everyone in worship, allowing everyone to share in the honor of lighting the first incense.

Due to the temple’s large-scale centennial renovation and limited space in the plaza, the event had to be suspended for the past two years. Now that restoration is complete, the temple has officially announced the return of the race this Lunar New Year’s Eve, February 16.

Temple officials hope to prevent any further damage to the stone dragon pillars, which had previously been broken by collisions during the scramble to light the incense. The new race is safer, more enjoyable, and allows everyone who participates to receive Mazu’s blessing in the new year.

H for Rti News