Detailed Introduction
You stand at the temple gate, three doors side by side -- do you know which one to take? And as you step through, why must that high threshold never be trodden on? Worshipping at a temple follows its own flow and etiquette, and getting the order right is not only respect for the deity but also lets the prayer in your heart ring more sincere.
Entering the Gate
Enter by the "dragon gate" (the right-hand door as you face the temple) and leave by the "tiger gate" (the left), following the auspicious sense of "enter the dragon gate, exit the tiger's mouth." The central "middle door" is the deity's own passage, not used by ordinary worshippers. Some modernized temples no longer keep the distinction strictly -- just follow the temple's guidance.
When stepping over the threshold, always lift your foot and step across; never tread on it. In folk belief the threshold stands for the deity's shoulders, and stepping on it is a grave irreverence -- one of the most important taboos in Taiwanese temple etiquette.
The Order of Worship
Once inside, the order of worship follows "outer to inner, center to sides, front to back":
1. The Tiangong censer (the burner at the very front of the temple): the first step on entering. Face outward (toward the heavens) and offer incense to Tiangong (the Jade Emperor). As supreme ruler of all deities, Tiangong is worshipped first, the highest mark of respect.
2. The main deity in the central hall: turn into the hall and offer incense to the temple's principal deity.
3. The dragon-side hall (the deity's left, as you face it): worship the dragon side first. In Chinese culture the dragon is honored and the tiger lowly, so the dragon side takes priority.
4. The tiger-side hall (the right): worship the tiger side next.
5. The rear hall: worship the deities of the rear hall last (often Guanyin or the Tai Sui star deities).
Basic Etiquette
- Dress neatly and modestly: nothing too revealing (no sleeveless tops, shorts, or flip-flops), and take special care in Buddhist temples.
- Keep quiet: a temple is a solemn religious place; no loud talk, no running or roughhousing.
- Photography: some temples or specific statues forbid photos, so ask the temple first; even where it's allowed, use no flash, and it's best to ask the deity silently before photographing a statue.
- Posture: press your palms together or hold incense, raise them to eyebrow height, and bow three times; when kneeling, both knees to the ground and the forehead lightly touching the cushion.
- Silent prayer: tell the deity your name, birth data, address, and request -- it needn't be long, but it should be sincere and specific.
- On leaving: before exiting by the tiger gate, you may turn to face the hall and bow, bidding the deity farewell as a final mark of respect.
Special Reminders
- Keep children safe inside a temple, well away from the burners and candle flames.
- Before bringing a pet, check whether the temple allows it.
- Temple volunteers are usually glad to explain the worship flow -- when unsure, just ask.