First Time Visiting a Taiwanese Temple? A Beginner's Guide to Drawing Lots, Casting Blocks, and Worshipping Yue Lao
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Gina2d ago
Walking on the streets of Taiwan, you'll often see temples, big and small. Some people go in to worship, light incense, and cast blocks, while others pray to Yue Lao for love or draw a lot to ask about work, relationships, and future direction.
For those new to Taiwanese temple culture, the rituals might seem confusing, and you might not know if you can enter or where to start.
In reality, you can visit temples even without the same religious beliefs. As long as you respect the on-site regulations and ask temple staff when unsure, you don't need to worry too much about making mistakes.
What can you do when visiting a temple for the first time?
After entering, check near the entrance, service desk, or incense burner for instructions on the worship process.
Regulations vary between temples. Some places allow incense lighting, while others have reduced the number of incense sticks or even switched to worshipping with clasped hands. Therefore, you don't need to follow others exactly; it's best to confirm the current rules first.
Generally, you can first pay respects to the main deity, then worship other deities according to the temple's instructions. When worshipping, you can briefly state your name, place of residence, and the reason for your visit. It's okay if you haven't prepared offerings; maintaining respect and sincerity is sufficient.
What is casting blocks (Zhi Jiao)?
Block cups are usually a pair of half-moon-shaped objects used to ask deities questions.
Common results include:
One face up, one face down, usually called a "sacred block" (Sheng Jiao), representing agreement or affirmation.
Both flat sides facing up, usually called a "laughing block" (Xiao Jiao), which might indicate the question was unclear.
Both curved sides facing up, usually called an "unlucky block" (Yin Jiao), representing disagreement or an unsuitable time.
Before casting blocks, it's best to clarify your question, and it should be answerable with a "yes" or "no." Different temples may have slightly different interpretations of the number of casts and results, so always follow the on-site explanations.
Drawing lots (Chou Qian) is not just drawing one and finishing.
In many temples, drawing lots usually requires first telling the deity what you want to ask about, then casting blocks to confirm if you can draw a lot.
After drawing a lot, you often need to cast blocks again to confirm if it's the correct one. Once confirmed, you can obtain the lot's poem based on the number or ask temple staff for interpretation.
Some temples only require one "sacred block," while others require several consecutive ones. For your first time, it's best to read the on-site instructions or ask temple staff directly for clarity.
The lot poems usually don't give a direct "yes" or "no" answer but offer reminders through stories or verses. If your question involves medical, legal, investment, or other major decisions, you should still seek professional help and not rely solely on the lot poem.
How to worship Yue Lao?
Yue Lao is a common deity of marriage in Taiwan. Singles can pray to meet a suitable partner, and those already in a relationship can pray for stability.
When worshipping, you can tell Yue Lao your name, date of birth, place of residence, and relationship status, then describe the kind of person you hope to meet.
Instead of just listing appearance or income criteria, you can also mention the personality traits, lifestyle, and values you cherish.
Some temples provide red threads, but you might not be able to take them directly. Some places require you to cast blocks first to get permission, while others distribute them through staff. Regulations differ by temple, so follow the on-site instructions.
What to pay attention to when visiting temples?
Temples are religious sites and places of worship for many. When visiting, do not casually touch statues, offerings, or ritual objects, and do not step over the altar or incense burner.
Before photographing statues, rituals, or worshippers, it's best to confirm if it's allowed. During large ceremonies or rituals, follow the guidance of on-site personnel.
Your attire doesn't need to be overly formal, just neat and appropriate.
If you don't know the procedure, just ask.
The worship methods, number of incense sticks, lot-drawing procedures, and red thread regulations for Yue Lao can vary across different temples in Taiwan.
When visiting for the first time, you don't need to memorize all the rules. Reading the on-site instructions, maintaining respect, and asking temple staff when you encounter something you don't understand is sufficient.
Temples are not just places for worship; they are often related to local festivals, community activities, architecture, and traditional crafts. Even without the same faith, visiting a temple can be a way to understand Taiwanese life and culture.
Reference for worshipping Yue Lao:
https://www.travel.taipei/en/pictorial/article/20126
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