Climbing the mountain on the ninth day of the first lunar month to celebrate the Heavenly Emperor’s Birthday is a traditional folk custom in Kinmen. Early in the morning, families—both young and old—flock to Mount Taiwu. With reverent hearts, they wind their way along the mountain paths to visit the over 700-year-old Haimin Temple nestled in the mountain valley to offer incense and pray for blessings. Throughout the day, men and women of all ages shuttle back and forth, turning the usually quiet mountain area into a lively scene.
Today is a weekend holiday, and the rare fine winter weather means those not working or in school have changed into casual clothes and shoes. Some start from the Yuzhang intersection on Mount Taiwu or the Pingtung Cultural and Recreational Center, while others enter the mountain via the Caicuo hiking trail. Along the way, birds sing and flowers bloom as entire families happily take in the sights, feeling relaxed and joyful.
The “big mountain” referred to by locals—Mount Taiwu—is the highest peak on the island, standing just 253 meters tall. The Haimin Temple located within the mountain was first built during the Xianchun era (1265–1274) of Emperor Duzong of the Song Dynasty and has a history of over 700 years. The “Hai Shan Di Yi” stone gate, inscribed by Ming Dynasty Minister of War Lu Ruoteng and located next to the temple, is also designated as a county-level historical site.
People pray devoutly in the incense-filled Haimin Temple. They believe that standing on the island’s highest mountain allows the “Heavenly Father” to hear their prayers most clearly and bestow the fullest blessings upon them.
Locals say that Mount Taiwu, located in a core military zone and also home to the Kinmen Defense Command, was only open to the public for mountain worship during the first to fifteenth days of the Lunar New Year and during the Mid-Autumn Festival during the martial law period. Now it’s open every day, but climbing on the Heavenly Emperor’s Birthday is believed to bring even more blessings and ensure a peaceful, fulfilling year.
Haimin Temple has also set up a blessing tree in front of the temple, where people can write their wishes on blessing cards and tie them to the tree, sending them to the deities through the rising incense. The temple also traditionally offers vegetarian “Peace Porridge” snacks, allowing worshippers to enjoy a peaceful meal together. People of all ages sit around and enjoy the food, creating a heartwarming scene of reunion and joy.
(China Times)