Beliefs and Rituals of Chinese Taiwanese Shrines: A Case Study of Thammakatanyu Foundation Shrine (Xian Loo Tai Thiankong), Samutprakan Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the beliefs and rituals in the Thammakatanyu Foundation Shrine (Xian Loo Tai Thiankong), Samutprakan Province. This is qualitative research with in-depth interviews and observation. The results showed that the Thammakatanyu Foundation Shrine (Xian Loo Tai Thiankong), It had a long history and is a sacred shrine using architectural construction methods from Nan Khun Shen Dai Tianfu Shrine in Taiwan. The construction of this shrine in Samut Prakan Province, it was caused by the belief and faith of the Chinese Taiwanese god Wu Fu Qian Su. This shrine still had 8 beliefs that reflect Chinese Taiwanese culture: health beliefs, stability of life, destiny, mercy, trading, asking for fortune, money, begging for children and work. Based on such beliefs, there are 5 important rituals which were: 1) Extraction in bad luck year 2) Chinese New Year 3) Yuanxiao Festival 4) God's Birthday 5) Distribution of gifts to the poor Festival. Although the beliefs and rituals of this shrine have changed from the past. But the ceremonies are still inherited these beliefs in the present.