TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Confucius Temple on Sunday held a ceremony to mark the 2,575th anniversary of Confucius’ birth, which is also celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Taiwan.
The event featured traditional music and the Yi (佾舞) dance. Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) offered incense on behalf of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), with a Japanese delegation in attendance, per CNA.
Each year, the ceremony begins at 6 a.m. and lasts about 90 minutes. Residents line up early to witness the colorful rites, with local students taking part in many performances.
The ritual is meticulously staged, with drums, eight musical instruments, and the Yi dance. Ceremonial attendants included local officials and students from Minglun Senior High School and Lishan Senior High School, while music was performed by students from Chongqing Junior High School.
The Yi dance was performed by students from Dalong Elementary School. Teachers and students from Kai Ping Culinary School also designed culinary offerings for the ceremony, underscoring efforts to pass on Confucian traditions to younger generations.
This year’s ceremony was presided over by Taipei Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-te (張溫德), while Confucius’ 79th-generation descendant, Kung Tsui-chang (孔垂長), served as the enshrining official.
