Celebratory Customs from Taiwan's Rural Regions

Every year, on the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, traditionally called Shangsi Festival, it's a special day for households that have a temple at home, as it marks the birthday of Xuantian Shangdi.

Today, in the year 2024, an elder in the family takes on the role of the furnace master. To celebrate this significant occasion, a grand banquet is laid out, an opera stage is set up, and friends and family, distant relatives and close neighbors, are invited to join the festivities.