Thousands protest call
to curb incense burning in Taiwan
straitstimes.com
TAIPEI (AFP) - The sound of clanging cymbals
and blaring horns filled downtown Taipei on Sunday (July 23) as
thousands marched in a colourful Taoist procession, protesting a
government call to cut back on the burning of incense
sticks.
About 100 temples took part in the
demonstration, where performers carried statues of Taoist gods on
their shoulders while others danced in larger-than-life
costumes.
Taipei police said more than 10,000 people
took part in the protest.
Officials have been pushing to curb the
practice of burning incense sticks and paper money along with
lighting firecrackers to combat pollution on the island.
SIGN UP
But opponents of the call argue that the
rituals are a crucial element of their religious
traditions.
Taoism and Buddhism are the predominant faiths
in Taiwan, each with millions of followers and with worship
centring around temple visits and festival events.
"It is very important. Our religion is upheld
by the burning of incense," said a 58-year-old man surnamed Cheng,
who travelled from a temple in southern Tainan city to
protest.
While some devotees knelt and bowed as Taoist
statutes passed by, others engaged in more violent forms of
worship.
One topless man was seen with blood dripping
down his face after whacking himself with a serrated
stick.
But Joyce Wu, 34, was unfazed as she watched,
saying it was a common ritual in rural areas of Taiwan where she
grew up.
"Gods can only feel our worship if we burn
incense," she said. "I grew up in a rural village, how come I'm
healthy and not sick? I think cars and factories cause more of a
pollution problem," Wu told AFP.
The fervour erupted after rumours circulated
that the government was aiming to impose a ban on the burning of
incense sticks.
But the interior ministry issued a statement
last week saying they have no intention of banning the practice,
but are encouraging alternative measures.
"Taking into account both the spirit of
tradition as well as contemporary values of environmental
protection, we've called on religious groups to take appropriate
measures to reduce potential pollution," it said.
During a nine-day Taoist pilgrimage in central
Taiwan last year, government monitors found levels of harmful
microscopic PM2.5 particles reached more than 60 times the World
Health Organization's recommended levels along the
route.
Environmental groups have also warned that
hazardous chemicals, such as benzene and methylbenzene, are
released from burning incense and paper money.
Some temples have already taken it upon
themselves to go green.
The popular Taoist Hsing Tian Kong temple in
Taipei has banned incense-burning, requesting worshippers to bring
their hands together to pray instead.
And another temple in central Changhua city
has resorted to playing recordings of firecrackers.