The First Earth God of Southern Fujian

The First Earth God of Southern Fujian

The First Earth God of Southern Fujian

The Earth Temple, also known as the Fude Temple or Bogong Temple, is a place (temple) where the folk worship the “Earth God.” Most are small structures spontaneously built by the people and represent the most widely distributed type of worship architecture, found throughout rural areas. Before the Republic of China era (1949), wherever there were Han Chinese communities, there were Earth Temples where the Earth God was worshipped.

The “First Earth God of Southern Fujian” enshrines the “Earth God” (Fude Zhengshen) as a patron deity of maritime navigation. It is a unique custom that has been observed since the Qing Dynasty in Xiangzhi Wubao Ao (now Wubao Village, Hongshan Town, Shishi City). The Wubao “Earth Temple” is located at the foot of Changren Mountain, nestled against the mountain and facing the sea, with its main hall oriented north and south. It is said to have been first built in the early Ming Dynasty. It underwent multiple renovations during the Qing Dynasty, and its incense offerings gradually flourished. It came to be regarded by seafaring merchants and boatmen as the patron deity of navigation in Wubao Ao.

The existing structure covers a construction area of 130 square meters, featuring a single-bay, double-eave, hip-and-gable roof, with a depth of two bays, plus an auxiliary wing, and includes the tomb of the theatrical deity “Shi Hechun.” It serves as a historical testament to cultural and artistic exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan. The “Earth God” enshrined in this temple is referred to as the “First Earth God of Southern Fujian.” Compared to other Earth Temples, the Wubao Earth Temple not only has a complete architectural scale and exquisite structure but also features the Earth God accompanied by civil and military judges, exuding an atmosphere of solemnity.