Most commonly, Taiwanese practice a syncretism of Buddhism (Fo Jiao), Taoism (Dao Jiao) and Chinese Folk Religion.
Buddhism is the most common religion in Taiwan with about 35.1% of the population confessing to adhering to the religion.
Taoism is a religious, philosophical, and ritual tradition that originated from the Chinese and forms the second most followed religion in Taiwan by 33% of the population. The religion aims at harmonizing human beings with the natural cycles and emphasizes on naturalness, spontaneity, simplicity, and detachment from desires. Taoism is believed to have been developed from a fusion of a variety of Chinese folk religions.. Taoism encourages vegetarianism and fasting. The religion includes public rituals as well as observance of particular days.
Unlike Buddhism, Taoism is a homegrown Chinese religion and philosophy.
‘Tao’ (also spelled Dao) is often translated as ‘the way’, but the meaning is somewhat closer to ‘the unstoppability and inevitability of nature’.
The majority of Taiwan’s temples are classed as folk shrines. Taoist, Buddhist and folk deities.
A Puppet Show For The Gods: Bùdàixì (a form of traditional puppetry) is a common sight all around Taiwan. These puppet shows are typically staged in front of temples in the late afternoon regardless of whether there are any mortals looking on. Dialogue, often in Taiwanese (not Mandarin Chinese), is amplified over a rudimentary sound system.
There is a repertoire in traditional puppet theatre, with many of the same stories told over and over again for the amusement of the gods residing in the temple wherever the performances take place.
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Krista Marson 