Taiwan, January 2006
Longshan Temple outer building • The central deity at Longshan Temple is Guanyin, who is housed in the first main building inside (the next building after this one). However, various other deities were moved into the rear section of this temple after their own temples were closed around the city—a sort of temple-consolidation exercise, if you will. Longshan Temple lays claim to being the oldest temple in Taipei.
Longshan Temple inner courtyard • Having got through into the first courtyard of the temple, I discovered that it was awash with people. Note the two enormous stand-alone incense burners—the whole area reeked of the sweet smoke, and yet I didn't see anyone reaching to cover their faces, going into coughing fits, etc.!
Lighting a candle • The lights on the columns in the background, which are installed throughout the back courtyard of Longshan Temple, are each meant to represent the soul of one person whose family has donated to the upkeep of the temple.
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The thurible flares up • I wasn't totally certain if this fire in the back courtyard of Longshan Temple was intentional or not. I had noticed people throwing what looked like bits of paper (intentions?) into the burner so I suppose this was an expected result.
Bird of paradise • At the Botanical Gardens in Taichung.
A grand day out • School children at the Botanical Gardens, Taichung.
