Donggang Donglong Temple's Dingwei Reign Yingwang Festival: Royal Boat Consecration Ceremony

Pingtung, Taiwan, July 8 (CNA) The Royal Boat, the most representative ritual object of the Donggang Donglong Temple's Yingwang Festival, has completed its nearly one-year construction and painting process and underwent a consecration ceremony today, symbolizing that the Dingwei Reign Yingwang Festival has officially entered its most crucial preparatory phase. The Royal Boat will be open for devotees to worship starting today.

The triennial Donggang Yingwang Ping'an Festival will be grandly held next year. This morning, Donggang Donglong Temple held the "Dingwei Reign Royal Boat Consecration Ceremony." Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, Donggang Donglong Temple Chairman Pan Ching-shih, Dingwei Reign Grand Chief Steward Hung Ching-chong, and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Hsu Fu-kuei, among others, first cut the ribbon in front of the Royal Boat shipyard.

At the auspicious hour of 9:15 AM, the consecration officials took their positions within the Royal Boat shipyard. Pingtung County Government Civil Affairs Department Director Cheng Wen-chih, Pingtung County Speaker Chou Tien-lun, Pan Ching-shih, and Grand Chief Steward Hung Ching-chong, holding a mirror of warding in their left hands and a cinnabar brush in their right, followed ancient rituals to dot the dragon's eyes, hull, and other important parts of the Royal Boat with cinnabar, symbolizing peace, warding off evil, and protection.

Chou Chun-mi stated in her speech that the Yingwang Ping'an Festival is a religious and cultural ritual with significant local characteristics and one of Donggang's most important religious events. Today's Royal Boat consecration not only bestows a sacred mission upon the boat but also signifies that the Dingwei Reign Yingwang Festival has officially entered its most crucial preparatory phase. All devotees embrace piety and anticipation to jointly welcome the grand Yingwang ceremony.

Pan Ching-shih said that after the Royal Boat's consecration, the shipyard will be officially open for devotees to offer incense and worship starting today, and will accept contributions from all sectors. As the Yingwang Festival approaches, various preparatory tasks will be carried out sequentially. He invites people from across the nation and overseas to come to Donggang to witness the grand Yingwang ceremony and experience the charm of a century-old faith and culture.

Donglong Temple stated that the Royal Boat is 46 feet 6 inches (Taiwan feet) in length, with a construction cost of approximately NT$13.8 million. It took about 3 months for wooden construction and 2 months for painting. A total of 76 people, including shipbuilders from Donggang and Liuchiu, and local volunteers, contributed their efforts without compensation to build it, continuing traditional wooden boat-building techniques and showcasing the beauty of Royal Boat craftsmanship.

Donglong Temple mentioned that after the Royal Boat's consecration, auspicious candies and pastries were sprinkled on the attendees. Subsequently, the Grand Chief Steward, internal and external stewards, deputy stewards from various districts, palanquin group leaders, advisors, board members, and believers, along with the Royal Boat crew, sequentially paid respects to the King. Finally, Fa Kuei (prosperity cakes) were shared, and Lord Wen and the Central Army Palace were respectfully invited back to the temple for enshrinement.

The Pingtung County Government Department of Information and International Affairs stated that according to traditional customs, "sprinkling candies and throwing mochi" symbolizes fishermen casting bait to attract fish. Devotees scramble to catch them, just like schools of fish gathering to eat bait, signifying abundant catches, prosperous harvests, and overflowing blessings, adding a lively and festive atmosphere to the entire ceremony. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150708

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