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The Origin of Din Tao：
Most inhabitants of Taiwan were immigrants from the coast of
Main Land China, who took risk of life, coming to
the island by boat
three hundred years ago. They firstly suffered by seasick and
malaria during the trip then fought against a series of plagues and nature disaster after boarding. The time was so
difficult that people had to strongly rely on deities and
religions to solve problems and give them faith to live. They
would bring deity statures or joss as own amulets along the way
and put them in a house or
hanged on a tree for supplication after settling down. When the
life became easier, they built temples for
deities, using those stature and joss as symbols. Time after
time, these deities have become local patron saints and
people hold annual festival to worship and present their
gratitude. During the preparation of the festival, young
men will be recruited to practice the local parade performance
called “Din Tao Arts”, which is the legacy of folk arts through
generations and now the most unique culture show in
villages.
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（Zhong
Kui The Ghost Catcher） |
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The Members of Din Tao：
Din Tao is an unofficial group
assembled by people who are interested in folk arts. The members
are trained by local people and perform whenever there is a
celebration or festival. Therefore, “Din Tao Arts” is performing
arts with marked local style.
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The Deity Patrol：
Sometimes people hold a kind of
ceremony , which is called “Deity Patrol”, in their village to
pray for the security of resident, or peace and blessing. They will stop working
temporarily and excitedly prepare amounts of oblations together.
In the
past of agriculture
society, it was a significant event that people would come back
home reuniting with their family.
During the deity patrol, those who escort with gods are
Din Tao, which is supported and assembled by local temples and
people. Members of Din Tao
practice in the local temple and present the result during the
patrol. Therefore, it can be said
that Din Tao originated for the deity patrol and
performance for worship ceremony.
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