Spring Couplets for the Opening of the Temple: Blessings for All and Success for All
In celebration of the Kaitai Zunwang Temple, the Spring couplets designed by Associate Professor Ye Ren-Jie of the Institute of Chinese Studies and his student Wu Qin-Yu, mark the creation of the first-ever exclusive couplets for the Kaitai Zunwang Temple in Wugu. These couplets, themed “Success Comes Swiftly,” were first printed in the Bingwu Year, with a total of 3,000 copies generously donated by Professor Yeh. The couplets were made available free of charge to local residents, demonstrating the academic community’s commitment to supporting local traditions and faith. Through this gesture, the rich cultural energy and local sentiments tied to the Kaitai Zunwang belief system were celebrated.
The donation ceremony took place on January 4, 2026, at 10:20 AM, at the Red Altar of this year’s ritual, located at No. 9, Tiaozhuang 5th Road, Fengtian Village, Dapi Township, Yunlin County.
This marks the first time the Bingwu Year couplets for the Kaitai Zunwang Temple in Wugu have been produced, representing a contemporary interpretation and innovative continuation of faith and cultural traditions. The couplets, conceived and designed by Professor Yeh and his student Wu, were further enhanced with typography and stylistic guidance provided by Dr. Jhuo,Jia-Sian, a postdoctoral researcher at the Intelligent Regional Design Service Research Center of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. His input elevated the visual and cultural quality of the design. Additionally, the General Secretary and the Board of Directors and Supervisors of the Zhonghua Wugu Kaitai Zunwang Association provided practical advice on the design, ensuring the couplets were deeply connected with local expectations and cultural symbolism.
A key cultural asset of the Yunlin-Chiayi region, the Kaitai Zunwang festival has entered a critical phase of preparation for this year’s celebration. The ritual, centered on the figure of Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), spans several counties, including Yunlin’s Sihu, Lunbei, Dounan, Huwei, Dapi, and Chiayi’s Xikou Township. With a history of over a century, this festival has been officially recognized as a County-designated Folk Culture Event by the Yunlin County Government. One of its most distinctive features is the belief system centered on the deity, which operates without a fixed temple but instead follows a rotating responsibility system among various local communities, each taking turns to host the Red Altar and rituals. This creates a highly mobile yet tightly-knit network of worship and ritual practices, showcasing the unique character and profound heritage of the folk beliefs of the Yunlin-Chiayi plains.
Remarks by President Xue Wei-Jia of the Wugu Kaitai Zunwang Furnace Master Association: Expressing Gratitude to National Yunlin University of Science and Technology
Vice President Hwang Shyh-Huei’s Address to Local Residents: Continued Commitment of the Intelligent Regional Design Center to the Wugu Kaitai Zunwang Community in the New Year
Unveiling of the “Success Comes Swiftly” Spring Couplets
(From left to right: Associate Professor Ye Ren-Jie, President Xue Wei-Jia, Chairman Wang Wan-Lai, Vice President Hwang Shyh-Huei, Furnace Master Huang Fang-Zhi)
Organizing Unit: Intelligent & Local Design Service Center
Unit Supervisor: Vice President Hwang Shyh-Huei
Contact Person: Adjunct Teacher Jhuo,Jia-Sian
Contact Number: (05) 534-2601 ext. 2870
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