Something strange to see

So it's Sunday morning here in Taiwan. Moryam and I are hanging out at home now, probably will head to church around 5:30. English church is in the evening. Well, this week has had its ups and downs. For both of us, Thursday classes are the toughest. So its good whenever Friday morning hits. And yesterday we both had Saturday off, which was a nice change. So we were hanging out at donutes last evening, and we saw something strange. The wall of the building is made entirely of Plexiglas, and we heard explosions, and could see about a block a way, in the middle of the city, fireworks going off. We watched for a while, unable to see what exactly was going on because the view was obscured by the buildings. we figured the fireworks would stop after a little bit. They didn't. So we decided to check it out. We rode over there and ran into some ceremony/celebration. The people were lighting of tons of fireworks on the street. There were several men on stilts, and several men were carrying a shrine box on several sticks that look remarkably like the ark of the covenant. They were in the middle of the street, and they walked back and forth, almost dance like. Eventually, the fireworks finished, and they turned to go down a side street. But there was an archway above it, and someone lit hanging flame fir works that showered down sparks from the arch way. Them men with the shrine would walk up to the flames, stop, and walk back. They reaped these steps until the flames died, then they walked through.

Once through, figures with wild wooden faces and paper hair started dancing on the side street. Most of them had knives or swords or axes, but on had what looked like a ritual dagger. They danced around, getting uncomfortably close to the crowd with the knives. I saw several people jump back. Horns and drums were plain the whole time, and it was quite eerie. After they finished, the men with the shrine came forward and the ceremony was done.

From what I can make of it, my guess is that it was some sort of purification ceremony. I know that fire and water are two elements, at least for the Japanese, that are used for purification. I think there are a lot of similarities between the Chinese and Japanese religions. I'll see if I can find out what exactly happened.

Also, another plus, I got my Arc this week, which means I can attempt to get a drivers licence and buy a scooter. Finally!!!