Sept. 28 is Teachers’ Day, as well as the birthday of Confucius. Taiwan temples honored the ancient Chinese educator in grand ceremonies. The annual rituals were scaled back this year, due to the ongoing pandemic. But local temples still attracted a crowd of people eager to keep traditions alive.

At this Confucius memorial ceremony in Yilan, Commissioner Lin Zi-miao steps out in ceremonial garb, to lead a tribute to the ancient Chinese philosopher. Due to the pandemic, this was a trimmed-down affair without the usual “six-row” dance. But the sacrificial offering, the presentations, the drums, the bells, and the incense were all still present, in accordance to ancient tradition.

One officiant at the ceremony especially stood out. This was Lu Yung-cheng, a college student who won a national award for filial piety earlier this year.

Lin Zi-miao
Yilan County commissioner
Due to the pandemic, this year it was a modest yet solemn ceremony. We are deeply grateful to Confucius, a sage among sages, for his contribution to education. He was a paragon of virtue and learning.

It was bustling inside the temple. Meanwhile, outside, a long queue formed for a special pastry that’s believed to grant wisdom. Due to COVID, everyone in line had to leave their contact information. The first to get a pastry was a woman surnamed Lin, who arrived at 6:30 a.m. after her morning exercise.

Ms. Lin
Local
I feel like after I eat it, I really do get wiser. So I come every year.

Over in Taoyuan’s Confucius Temple, a similar scene. Although celebrations were scaled back due to COVID, students from Taoyuan Senior High School and Dongmen Elementary School took part in a ceremony to honor Confucius. Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan turned up wearing a ceremonial robe to officiate the rite.

Cheng Wen-tsan
Taoyuan mayor
This ceremony is about honoring the great sage and the Confucian tradition he represents. I hope these ceremonies will continue in the future.

Participating student
Though this solemn and dignified ceremony, we can learn how to have a steady mind and to be more mindful.

At temples across Taiwan, officials paid tribute to the ancient teacher in a tradition that dates back more than 2,000 years.