SINWU TOWNSHIP OFFICE-Religions

People find sustenance, hope and expectation in religions for this life and next life. Traditional Chinese religions are diversified and have division of labor. Different Gods satisfy and cater for different needs. Their origins are also diversified, having natural God, legends, legendary ancestors, and others. These kinds of religion spread in Taiwan through immigrants in different stages, contributing to a rich and pluralistic religious life in Taiwan.

Temples and churches are spiritual sustenance for fellow townsmen. They also signify the developments of the region. For example, some temples are established in Qing Dynasty or after World War II. There is no evidence of temple establishment during Japanese Occupation. From 1961 to 1970, Temple Liutong and Temple Baosheng were built. From 1971 to 1980, Zhao Ling Temple was built up. In the 80s , four temples were registered, namely Tin Hou Temple of Bengang Village, Baosheng Temple of Yong-an Village, Chang Xiang Gong of Jioudou Village, and Fusing Temple of Ejian Village. Whenever having major festivals, temples host a variety of activities and events, in a way, to cohere the communities.

Ancestral shrine is the place to worship and honor sacrifices to ancestors, usually holding two worships each year, in spring and in fall. In addition to ancestral shrine, Gongting (Public Hall) is the place to worship and bring offering to common ancestors of the same origin and the remaining descendants. Zhengting is another place for individual family to worship and offer sacrifices. Such ancestral respect and gratitude activities signify the traditions of Han people, especially conspicuously found in Hakka. Hakka is the majority in Sinwu Township, therefore, there are many ancestral shrines. They were the symbols of settled societies, transferring gradually from immigrant societies. Today, they are the symbols respecting the origins, i.e. who they are and where they are from.