DCA: Replace Paper Money with Rice as Offerings to Deities
The Department of Civil Affairs (DCA) will be teaming up again with 20 temples and shrines across the city to implement the policy of replacing paper money with rice packages for offerings.
The pilot project kicked-off on August 11. In addition, the first 100 people adopting the practice are eligible to receive the bonus gift of limited-version rice spoon from the agency (An individual subscribing to the practice is eligible for only 1 rice spoon).
Some of the partner institutions working with DCA on the program for 2018 include: Jifu Temple, Gangkou Fengsheng Temple, Xinyi Tianhou Temple, Zhenan Temple, Jiufu Xianshi Puhui Shrine, Zhifu Temple, 228 Peace Park Fude Temple, Changqing Temple, Beimenkou Fuju Temple, Dalongtong Bao Gong Temple, Taipei Beian Temple, Bangka Qingshan Temple, Jingmei Jiying Temple, Lingzhen Temple, Nangang Ciyan Temple, Funan Temple, Taipei Huguo Yanping Temple, Jinbi Temple, Tianmu Sanyu Temple, and Shilin Street Fude Temple.
According to DCA, the practice is inspired by “Yinfu Shouzuo” (divine blessing upon the wine and food offerings) of Zhou Dynasty. The “peace rice” is taken to the temple and presented as offerings to the gods. After the ceremony, it is brought back to the home and shared among other members of the family. Such act symbolizes the sharing of divine blessings as well.
For more information about the practice, please contact DCA via the 1999 Citizen’s Hotline (1999, ext. 6239, Ms. Chang) or visit the Chinese website dedicated to carbon emission reduction through best practices during religious ceremonies: http://reduce-co2.civil.taipei/Default.aspx
