Taitung Local Customs

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It is a very special ceremony as a real person will take the place of the god Master Han Dan, wearing only a pair of red shorts. He will cover his face with a towel. He may not wear any other clothes. In his hand, He will hold a branch to protect himself. He will be carried by people on a sedan chair. He must stand strong as many people throw firecrackers at his body. In Taiwan, only a few places will worship Han Dan Yue including Taitung, Hualien and Yu Li, but only Taitung has this particular activity.

There are two stories behind the legend of Master Han Dan. Number one goes that the god Master Han Dan was afraid of the cold, so every year during the parade, the people will light firecrackers to ward off the cold for Master Han Dan. And at the same time, the people hope that by throwing firecrackers, Master Han Dan will take good care of them. The second story says that Master Han Dan was a local gangster in Taitung who picked on the good people of Taitung. All evil was done by him. One year, the people planned to get Master Han Dan drunk and then attempt to kill him by throwing firecrackers. So up until now every year at the parade, people throw firecrackers in part to get rid of any upset emotions.

Carrying the gods around the city in Lantern Festival and throwing firecrackers at Master Han Dan has been going on in Taitung for over fifty years. This is a local specialty here in Taitung. Every year, the activity attracts more and more people to come to Taitung for this festival. With the help of the Tourism Bureau this has become one of the most important Lantern Festivals in Taiwan.

from website: http://home.pchome.com.tw/my/yiashi/2007/96.html