Ceremony for Confucius in Hsinchu 祭孔釋奠典禮

Sleeping Confucius

While exploring Hsinchu Park, you will come across the local Confucius Temple (新竹孔廟). Compared with the Hsinchu Zoo and the Athletics Center, the temple seems dead. The hollow structures seem incomplete with the lack of people wandering the courtyard. If you’re lucky, you may be able to come across early risers doing Tai Chi in front of the gate of the Confucius Temple. Even locals in Hsinchu consider the doors of the temple to be open a special occasion.

If you are wanting to see the temple come alive, be sure to head over to Hsinchu’s Confucius Temple for Teacher’s Day. On this holiday, there is a yearly ceremony for Confucius at the temple. Teachers and Children wear traditional gowns and pray to the thousand-year-old philosopher for guidance in the coming year. Not only does this ceremony breathe life into the usually empty temple, but it also preserves a centuries-old tradition.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Hsinchu Park, be sure to visit the Weekend Flower Market!

Reincarnation of the Temple

Hsinchu’s ConfuciusTemple was originally built in 1810 on the opposite side of the railroad tracks from Hsinchu Park. The sprawling market of Zhongzheng Market and Dacheng Market is where the temple was once located. During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the temple was used as a military barracks. After local outcry, the soldiers finally moved out of the temple to a dormitory.

For years, the Confucius Temple existed as the center for learning in Hsinchu. Ultimately, it wasn’t the Japanese who saw the temple torn down, but local politicians. Hsinchu’s Confucius Temple was “relocated” to Hsinchu Park in order to make way for a shopping district. Today, the Confucius Temple is practically brand new. Not much can be found of its original centuries-old ancestor.

Want some more exercise? Why not hike up Lion’s Head Mountain!

Teacher’s Day

September 28th marks Teacher’s Day in Taiwan. Not only is this a holiday held to respect educators, but the date also coincides with Confucius’s Birthday (孔子誕辰日). Throughout the country, there are many activities being held. Including the Ceremony for Confucius in Hsinchu. The ritual includes dancing, music, and prayers for the spirit of Confucius.

If you’re wanting to check out the ceremony yourself, you’ll want to make sure to wake up early. The  Ceremony for Confucius starts at 8 am. You can find the performers rehearsing at the temple as early as 7 am. The ritual lasts roughly an hour and consists of 37 steps. Unlike a Taoist temple fair, this ceremony is more solemn. Much like a church service, there are many cues where the audience must stand, bow, and then return back to their seats.

You won’t want to miss the night market while in Hsinchu, make your way over to Green Grass Lake Night Market!

Yi Dance

Despite the more serious tone of the Ceremony for Confusious, spectators are welcome to join in the ceremony. The main pull for tourists to the ritual is the traditional Yi dance (佾舞). Performed by school children, the Yi dance has a history that stretches back centuries. With their rod resembling a horse, the students pay their respects to both their teachers and to Confucius.

The ceremony’s other parts consist of the teachers laying offerings in front of spirit tablets (神位). The children all stand patiently as the music and songs are played. The teachers come from different schools from all over the Hsinchu area. The students, however, are part of a traditional dance troupe at a local elementary school. After remaining perfectly still for over an hour (other than for their dance) the host ends the ceremony by jokingly telling the kids to return to school and study.

Want to see another side of Taiwanese Culture? You won’t want to miss seeing a baseball game in Hsinchu!

Ceremony for Confucius

The Ceremony for Confuciusgives a glimpse at the soul of Taiwan. While a temple fair showcases the gods of Taoism, this ritual reflects the people of the country. Although a lot of work goes into preserving these traditions, it is moving to see songs and dances that have been handed down through the generations performed before your eyes.

Hsinchu’s Confucius Temple has been uprooted and rebuilt, but the people are what keep it alive. Buildings are just a collection of four walls. The music and dances are the beating heart of any temple. The temple is usually quiet, perfect for travelers wanting a more meditative trip. If you’re wanting to experience a side of Taiwan seldom seen by even locals, be sure to visit Hsinchu during Confucius’s Birthday.

If you’re wanting to check out even more things to do in Hsinchu, check out this list here!