Radio Taiwan International 
Date: 26 April, 2019
By: Paula Chao

Candle-lighting to be barred at Longshan Temple, starting May

Longshan Temple, a historic monument in downtown Taipei, says it will bar candle-lighting starting May. The move aims to protect the environment and ensure public safety. That’s following the devastating fire at Notre Dame in Paris.

The bundles of red candles, large and small, sold at Longshan Temple, will soon become a part of history. Starting May, the temple that is dedicated to Bodhisattva will no longer allow worshippers to light candles on its premises.

A notice posted by the temple reads “Candles will no longer be sold to worshippers nor will candle holders be offered. This is due to the growing public awareness of environmental protection and safety concerns following the fire that ruined Notre Dame in Paris.” The temple also urged the public not to bring their own candles.

One worshipper found the move quite disappointing because he has always lit candles to pray for peace. Another believer supports the ban, saying that burning one stick of incense is good enough and the environment has improved.    [FULL  STORY]