Dongshi Lanterns
Shining Through Time, Bridging Fujian and Taiwan
🏮Legends of the Lantern Maze
How It All Began?
Long ago, Jinjiang Dongshi and Taiwan’s Dongshi became linked not just by name. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, villagers sailed across the sea to settle in Taiwan, carrying the blessing of “Lord San Gong” to Jiaying Temple. From then on, both places lit lanterns in the same festive way.
Heroes of the Legend
At Jiaying Temple, people worship the Wei family—three generations of loyal ministers from the Song Dynasty—known as the “Nine-Dragon Three Lords.” The tale goes that Wei Tianzhong died a hero in his nine-dragon robe, and ever since, he has been honored as a guardian spirit, watching over Dongshi villagers as they crossed the sea.
What It Stands For
Palace lanterns mean wishing for happy families—and they also show how people on both sides share the same bright traditions.
🧠Quick Cards on Rituals & Traditions
Q: Why do people hang palace lanterns after getting married?
A: Newlyweds hang the bride's dowry lanterns in Jiaying Temple on their first Lantern Festival — a wish for love and family luck.
What is "Counting Palace Lanterns"?
A: Lantern Festival night people count lanterns together. More lanterns = thriving families. Lanterns painted with all symbols of luck!
Q: What happens during "Lantern Divination"?
A: Newlyweds toss moon blocks before the altar. The one with most lucky throws takes home the red lantern — a wish for luck and children.
Q: When do people in Dongshi count the lanterns?
A: It's a three-day celebration — beginning on the 13th day of the first lunar month!
Q: What's so special about "Two Dongshis, One Lantern Count"?
A: Two coastal towns named Dongshi — one in Fujian, one in Taiwan. They share a unique Lantern Festival tradition found only here!
🌟Passing on the light!
a lantern, from the past to the present; a tradition, from one shore to the other.
May the lanterns never fade, bringing blessings to every home.
📚Resources:
Fujian Provincial Government Website
Baidu Baike
Fujian Provincial Office for Overseas Taiwan Affairs and Hong Kong
China Heritage Museum of Non-Faithful Cultural Heritage:Dongshi Lanterns