Celebrating Lunar New Year at Puji Temple

In Tainan, Taiwan, Andrew Dawson sets up a sound system at Puji Temple for lunar new year festivities, where guardianship is provided by the deities above. Nearby, a circular plaque depicting Caishen, the god of prosperity, can be seen. While families burn incense for Chifu Wangye, a revered figure who sacrificed himself to save his villagers, a lively street party inspires dancing and socializing.

Temple Meltdown: A Unique Experience

Dawson, who has blended underground music with traditional temple settings as part of his Temple Meltdown party series, aims to create a vibrant communal atmosphere. He shares that each temple in Taiwan has its distinct character, but the communal plazas present inviting spaces for gathering and celebration. Attendees at his Lunar New Year party enjoy music, food, and each other’s company, highlighting the community spirit.

The Historical Context

Such celebrations are significant, especially given Taiwan’s history—an era of martial law that restricted public gatherings and cultural expressions lasted until 1987. Although the lifting of military rule provided more freedom, strict laws often still hindered celebrations. These challenges were compounded by prevalent social conservatism and police scrutiny over nightlife events.

A Creative Use of Spaces

Despite past restrictions, temples in Taiwan offer a rare blend of creativity and freedom. Dawson, now collaborating with Puji’s lantern festival, points out that Taiwan boasts the highest number of temples per capita globally, resulting in a rich fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and local customs that permeate daily life.

Sound System Innovations

Archi Tsai, a local who provides sound equipment for events, describes his journey of creating a unique sound system inspired by international festivals. He invested years teaching himself how to construct this impressive setup, which has become ideal for playing reggae and bass music. The financial and personal dedication involved in his project highlights the strong connection between leisure and community in Taiwan.

Shifting Cultural Perspectives

Both Dawson and Tsai are playing a pivotal role in transforming societal views on partying and alcohol consumption in Taiwan. By challenging longtime beliefs associating drinking and socializing with immorality, they aim to foster a more open, modern perspective among younger generations.

A Symbol of Resilience

Tainan, often referred to as the Phoenix City, symbolizes resilience and rebirth throughout its history, including influences from former colonial powers. The Puji Temple, strategically built to retain prosperity, now serves as a backdrop for the underground music scene, celebrating culture and community. Tsai states, “This is our religion, and this is our culture,” emphasizing how music events connected to temples resonate deeply with local lives.