In the picturesque town of PuLi, located in the heart of Taiwan’s inland region, a captivating cultural event recently unfolded. Last week, the town hosted the “祈安清醮” ritual, a significant religious practice deeply rooted in local history. During this time, traditional markets, restaurants, and supermarkets paused the sale of meat, adding a distinctive touch to the town’s atmosphere.
PuLi Town observes the “建醮法會” ceremony every 12 years, with the subsequent “祈安三獻祭典” completing the cycle three years later. In 2020, the town garnered attention as it celebrated 120 years with a grand ceremony, including a five-day vegetarian period that sparked a surge in meat purchases. Now, after three years, PuLi announced the “三獻清醮” from December 16th to 18th, inviting locals and visitors to partake in the concluding festivities.
Since 1900, PuLi Town has maintained the tradition of hosting the “建醮法會” every 12 years. This involves the entire town embracing vegetarian practices, accompanied by households contributing “丁口錢.” This unique cultural heritage has become ingrained, with most residents and businesses following a vegetarian lifestyle. The tradition is acknowledged as an intangible cultural asset in Nantou County.
The 2020 ceremony, being the 120th anniversary, was marked by elaborate altars and celebrations that seamlessly blended religious rituals with tourism and local revitalization efforts. The town’s unity in vegetarian practices drew nationwide attention, elevating the event to a recognized religious and cultural activity.
Interestingly, many may not be aware that the 2020 ceremony had not officially concluded. According to tradition, a “三獻祭典” is held in the third year of the lunar “卯年” for the ceremony to be considered complete. This year, being a “癸卯年,” PuLi Town adhered to tradition and conducted the concluding “三獻清醮.”
PuLi Town’s municipal government recently held a press conference, announcing the completion of the “祈安三獻祭典” that took place from December 16th to 18th. To ensure the success of the event, the town had observed a five-day period of vegetarian observance starting from midnight on December 13th, encouraging residents, businesses, and related entities to participate with sincerity.
Mayor Liao Zhicheng expressed satisfaction with the grandeur of this year’s “三獻清醮祭典,” featuring central altars and four surrounding altars. The event also showcased cultural products such as badges, leather peace tokens, and commemorative liquors, including local brands like PuLi Chen Shao and Ai Lan Bai Jiu. The town welcomed all to relish the festive spirit and experience the unique vegetarian traditions.
Historians and cultural experts emphasize that the “三獻清醮祭典” highlights PuLi’s distinctiveness through its extensive history, participant numbers, and unique vegetarian customs. The event concluded with the release of water lanterns and “普度” ceremonies on December 17th and 18th, marking the end of this enriching cultural experience.
Adding a touch of post-event charm, the townwide adherence to a five-day vegetarian diet from December 13th to 17th culminated in a lively atmosphere. As the clock struck 11:00 PM on the 17th, meat-laden trucks traversed the streets, markets resumed meat sales, and locals, especially mothers and grandmothers, indulged in post-vegetarian cravings. For many, including local youth and students from afar, witnessing the bustling, nocturnal meat-buying spree turned PuLi Town into a memorable and vibrant nocturnal cityscape.
