Detailed Introduction
Talismans (fulu, also called fu or shenfu) are the most common personal protective objects in Taiwanese folk religion. Nearly every family in Taiwan has owned or used one at some point. From the peace talismans available at temples to house-protection charms drawn by Taoist priests, talismans play an indispensable guardian role in the daily lives of Taiwanese people.
Meaning and Principles
A talisman inscribes the spiritual power of a deity onto yellow paper, red paper, or silk using special characters, symbols, or figures. It functions like a "decree" or "written command" issued by the deity, representing divine authority and protective power. A talisman's spiritual efficacy comes from three sources: the cultivation and spiritual power of the writer (the ritual master), the deity's blessing, and the sincere faith of the user. All three elements are indispensable.
Common Types of Talismans
- Peace talisman (ping'an fu): The most common and widely used type. Typically a sheet of yellow paper inscribed with sacred symbols, folded into a bagua shape or rectangle and placed in a red plastic amulet case. After being "passed over the censer" at the temple's main incense burner (circled clockwise three times), it is carried on one's person for protection, bringing safety and averting misfortune. Virtually all temples in Taiwan offer peace talismans, making them the most fundamental protective object in Taiwanese religious practice.
- Purification talisman (jing fu): Used after attending a funeral, visiting a hospital, or going to a spiritually unclean place (such as a cemetery). The talisman is dissolved in clean water, which is then used to wash one's face and hands or sprinkled over the body to dispel negative energy and purify one's spiritual field.
- House-protection talisman (zhenzhai fu): Affixed above the door lintel, on both sides of the main entrance, or at specific locations in the home (usually designated by a ritual master) to guard the dwelling, ward off evil, and deflect harmful influences. Commonly used when moving into a new home or when anomalous events occur in the house.
- Wealth-attracting talisman (zhaoai fu): Prayed for at wealth deity temples to invite financial prosperity. Placed in wallets, cash registers, or safes.
- Marriage talisman (yinyuan fu): Prayed for at Yue Lao (Matchmaker God) temples to seek a good romantic match.
- Personal protection talisman (fuling): A custom talisman drawn by a Taoist priest based on an individual's astrological chart, offering more targeted protection.
Proper Procedure for Requesting a Talisman
1. First offer incense before the deity and state your name, birthday, and address.
2. Explain the reason and purpose for requesting the talisman.
3. Cast divination blocks to ask the deity's permission to receive the talisman. Only proceed after receiving a "holy block" confirmation.
4. Go to the service counter or talisman station to collect the talisman.
5. Hold the talisman above the main incense burner and circle it clockwise three times (passing over the censer) to activate its spiritual power with the incense energy.
6. Store the talisman properly and carry it with you or use it as directed.
Usage and Replacement Guidelines
- Peace talismans are typically replaced once a year. Before Chinese New Year, bring the old talisman to the temple's ceremonial furnace to be burned, then request a new one for the coming year.
- Do not place talismans in unclean locations (such as sitting on them in a back pocket), as this would disrespect the deity.
- Replace talismans promptly when they become damaged, waterlogged, or faded.
- Taking someone else's talisman for yourself is taboo; each person should use only talismans they personally requested.
- Old talismans that are no longer in use should not be casually discarded. Return them to the temple's ceremonial furnace for proper burning.