Strange, but true

OMANA JACOB

Taiwan, an island province of the Republic of China is a perfect blend of the old and the new.Taoism and Buddhism are the two main religions. Taoist temples have a distinct architecture, and some ceremonies are conducted with special offerings to ghosts.

Their worship ceremony known as "Pai Pai" can take many forms as they are performed for different reasons. While performing a ceremony at home a special container is placed in front of the homes and small pieces of yellow paper are burnt in it. This paper represents money, which are of two varieties. One has a gold dot in the middle and the other a silver dot. The silver ones are called the "ghost money", and the gold ones "God money". It is believed that when ghost money is burnt it would satisfy a hungry ghost and it would not bother you or your family members.

The gold dotted paper money is burnt to appease gods, especially during festivals. In the temples there are huge burning pits to burn the paper money during worship. Incense is also burnt in large urns and placed in front of the temple. The temple altars are always full of food and drink offerings for the the gods. Many households have family altars. On certain days a lavish feast is prepared for the gods as well as the departed souls, and it is believed that they would come to enjoy the delicacies and return after blessing the family. After the ceremonies are over the family members sit down to eat.

Another custom is of burning paper models of cars and motorcycles so that their departed souls would have a means of transport in heaven. Ancestoral worship is a common feature in Taiwan.

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