An exhibition spotlighting Taiwan’s vibrant religious traditions and temple architecture kicked off April 23 at the Espace Leon Beaubourg gallery in Paris.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Miao Hui—Temple Festivals and Folk Cultures in Taiwan” features artifacts, illustrations, photographs and short documentaries showcasing diverse aspects of the nation’s religious customs. The show, which runs through May 1, centers on the Mazu pilgrimage, a large-scale event staged in central and southern Taiwan to celebrate the birthday of the goddess of the sea.
Held during the third month of the lunar calendar, the pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees and has been described as one of the world’s three major religious festivals by the Discovery Channel, the MOFA said. The exhibits on this and other events offer fascinating insights into Taiwan’s history, culture and society, the ministry added.
Also on display are drawings and images shedding light on the architectural beauty and sophisticated building methods for traditional temples. Highlighted facilities include Beigang Chao-Tian Temple in western Taiwan’s Yunlin County, as well as Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung City and Lugang Mazu Temple in Changhua County, both in central Taiwan.
To help visitors gain a deeper understanding of religious rites and practices, the exhibition features an electronic fortune-telling device and virtual reality experience offering 360-degree views of the Mazu pilgrimage. A mobile app is also available in French, English and traditional Chinese, providing in-depth information on the origins and development of temples as well as Mazu worship and other religious customs.
According to the MOFA, the exhibition is touring five European cities as part of government efforts to foster closer cultural ties with the continent. The show was staged in Nijmegen in the Netherlands Sept. 21 to Oct. 29 last year and Vitre in northwestern France Nov. 10, 2017, to March 11, 2018, and following its run in Paris is scheduled to appear at the Taipei Representative Office in Berlin May 16 to June 8 and Gallery @Oxo in London June 28 to July 8. (CPY-E)
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