BAD RITUAL:Wooden lions described as priceless and rare are not the only threatened artworks at New Taipei City’s Chingshui Zushi Temple, experts said
Taipei Times
Date: Jun 05, 2015
By: Chang An-chiao and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer
Local history and culture experts in New Taipei City’s Sansia District (三峽) called on
One of several carved lions at Chingshui Zushi Temple in New Taipei City’s Sansia District is pictured on May 24. Visitors have forced coins into its mouth, a practice that is believed to bring good luck, but has damaged the sculpture. Photo: Chang an-chiao, Taipei Times
the Chingshui Zushi Temple to make sure temple visitors do not damage the site’s architecture.
An expert who wishes to remain anonymous said tourists and visitors are forcing coins into the mouths of wooden lions and damaging the sculptures.
The expert said the visitors wished to pray for good luck, but that their actions were selfish.
The expert said he asks visitors not to put coins in the sculptures’ mouths whenever he sees them doing so, adding that temple staff should do more to protect the sculptures.
Forcing coins into the artworks not only scratches the wood, but could also eventually break the sculpture, the expert said. [FULL STORY]
