The only remaining "fire-setting lion" tradition in Taiwan - the cultural wonder of Dalongdong Baoan Temple
#Taipei Attractions #Fire Lion #Bao'an Temple
🐲🔥 If you think that Taiwan's temple fairs only have firecrackers and parades, then you may not have seen the shocking scene of "fire lion". At the Dalongdong Bao'an Temple in Datong District, Taipei City, the only "fire lion" ceremony currently in Taiwan is held around the 15th day of the third lunar month every year. This is a folk celebration that combines fireworks, lion parades, traditional skills and beliefs. It is an irreplaceable spiritual event in the hearts of local believers and tourists.
📜 What is a fire lion?
"Fire lion" is a traditional folk custom. The lion is a symbol of suppressing evil spirits, and the "fire lion" means a paper lion ignited by fireworks, flying and bursting in the fire, symbolizing the burning of ominousness and the ushering in peace. This skill was originally seen all over Taiwan, but due to safety concerns and regulatory restrictions, it now only exists in the Dalongdong Bao'an Temple in Taipei City, becoming a unique cultural landscape in Taiwan.
🕰️ Celebration time and rhythm
The fire lion is usually held in the third month of the lunar calendar, which is around the birthday of Baosheng Dadi. This year's celebration falls on the evening of the fifteenth day of the third month of the lunar calendar. There will be performances and rituals starting from about 5 pm, until the climax of the "fire lion" at about 8:30 pm! ! !
It is worth mentioning that on the day we participated, the temple also distributed limited edition free T-shirts and hats to believers and tourists who arrived early. They were printed with event slogans and were very memorable. Many people were seen wearing T-shirts directly at the scene and taking photos with relatives and friends.
🧨🔥 Special fireworks lion appears
The protagonist of the fire lion is a lion made of paper-made techniques, about 1.5 meters tall. Various fireworks and firecrackers are hidden in the structure. In the evening, the lion formation was pushed to the front of the temple by the staff of the temple, and slowly appeared under the guidance of the gods and the sedan chair. The whole process is accompanied by folk instruments such as the parade, drums, and suona, and the momentum is huge.
When the most shocking moment comes, the staff will place the fire lion in the center of the temple and ignite the fireworks inside. Suddenly, the flames are everywhere, the sound of firecrackers resounds through the sky, sparks and smoke are intertwined in the night, and the whole fire lion rolls and burns in the flames, symbolizing "turning evil into auspiciousness" and "fire refining evil spirits." This scene not only makes us stare, but also makes the audience exclaim again and again, as if they are in a movie scene.
🙏👥 On-site atmosphere and interaction with believers
The fire lion celebration of Baoan Temple is not just a fireworks show, but a religious ceremony with deep cultural heritage. Many believers will bring incense and offerings, and sincerely pray for a smooth family fortune and good health. Especially when the fire lion is burning, many people will put their hands together and silently recite their wishes, believing that through the power of the fire lion, they can bring good luck and pure energy.
In addition to local residents, there are also many photography enthusiasts who come here for pilgrimage, bringing long lenses and tripods to capture the dancing posture of the fire lion. There are also many foreign tourists who are surprised to see such a spectacular and oriental folk activity. They raise their mobile phones to record and constantly admire this traditional celebration that is hard to see in other countries.
🍢🛍️ Surrounding night markets: a paradise of affordable and delicious local snacks
After participating in the festival, if you still have energy and appetite, it is highly recommended to visit Dalong Street Night Market and the nearby Yansan Night Market! This area is densely populated with snacks and affordable prices, and is the favorite late-night snack area for locals.
That night we ate amazing sesame oil chicken rice cakes, fragrant pork liver soup, crispy and tender oyster pancakes, and super chewy salted chicken. The owners of the roadside stalls are kind and enthusiastic, and some of the shops can communicate in simple English, and are also very friendly to foreign tourists.
These authentic snacks not only fill your stomach, but also perfectly end this night full of fire and incense.
🛡️🚒 Safety and inheritance are equally important
Although the sound and light effects of the fire lion are amazing, Baoan Temple and related units are also very cautious in terms of safety. There will be fire trucks on standby, safety lines will be set up, and volunteers from the temple will help guide the crowd. After the event, there will also be someone to clean up the embers on site to ensure the safety of the environment and personnel.
In addition, Baoan Temple also actively promotes the preservation and education of the fire lion culture. Every year, it cooperates with schools to hold lectures to introduce the history and production process of the fire lion. This is a valuable example for the preservation and promotion of Taiwan's traditional culture.
✨👣 Our personal experience
As a traveler, it was an unexpected surprise to accidentally encounter this celebration while traveling in Taiwan. In addition to witnessing the spectacular moment of the fire lion burning in the night sky, we also received commemorative T-shirts and hats symbolizing participation, and felt the lively atmosphere with the locals.
After the event, holding the spoils and the aroma of night market snacks in our mouths, this festival added unforgettable memories to our journey in Taiwan.
📍 📌 Dalongdong Baoan Temple
• 🏠 Address: No. 61, Hami Street, Datong District, Taipei City
• 🚇 Suggested transportation: Take the MRT to Yuanshan Station and walk for about 10 minutes
• 📅 Event time: Mid-March of the lunar calendar every year (it is recommended to pay attention to the official announcement of Baoan Temple)
• 🎽 Friendly reminder: Limited souvenirs will be provided in some years, it is recommended to arrive at the scene early!
If you also want to experience Taiwan's temple culture in depth, you must not miss this "fire lion" festival that combines history, faith and human touch. It not only burns the night sky, but also ignites our passion for Taiwan's folk culture.