Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin
In collaboration with Donglong Temple in Pingtung County, the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung has launched the special exhibition “Heavenly Patrol – Donggang King Welcome” from now until June 10th in its Second Special Exhibition Room. This marks the first time the full-scale recreation of Donggang’s King Welcome Ceremonies at the Substitute Heavenly Palace has been presented in Taichung. The temple’s main deity, King Wen of the Warm Mansion, makes a rare appearance dressed in the only “pure gold dragon robe” in Taiwan. This is also the second public display of the pure gold dragon robe since 2005.
The “Heavenly Patrol – Donggang King Welcome” exhibition aims to introduce the ritual culture, shipbuilding craftsmanship, and performance arts associated with the belief in the King Deities of Donggang, enhancing public understanding of this faith and further promoting the concept of cultural heritage preservation. (Photo provided by National Museum of Natural Science)
Pingtung County’s Donggang Town is renowned as the “Hometown of King Boats.” Since 1973, when wooden boats began to be used, these vessels have become the focal point of the King Welcome Festival. The Donglong Temple’s triennial King Welcome Peace Ceremony, with a century-long tradition and among the grandest celebrations in Taiwan, is complemented by the spectacular King Boat and participation from numerous temples and performance troupes. It has been designated by the Council for Cultural Affairs as one of Taiwan’s Top Ten Intangible Cultural Assets.
The “Heavenly Patrol – Donggang King Welcome” exhibition is divided into three main themes: “Recreating the Substitute Heavenly Palace,” “Setting Up the King Boat and the Ceremony,” and “Rituals of the Myriad Faith Altars.” The “Substitute Heavenly Palace” serves as the temporary earthly dwelling of the deities sent by the Jade Emperor to patrol the realm, and is the ceremonial center of the Donggang King Welcome. In this special exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see the main deity of Donglong Temple, King Wen of the Warm Mansion, and the pure gold dragon robe, as well as catch a glimpse of the full appearance of the Substitute Heavenly Palace.
National Museum of Natural Science: www.nmns.edu.tw
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