Temple Fair
Miaohui (庙会), literally temple gatherings or translated as temple fairs, are Chinese religious gatherings held by folk temples for the worship of the Chinese gods and immortals.Large-scale miaohui are usually held around the time of the Chinese New Year, or in specific temples at the birthday of the god enshrined in the temple itself. Activities usually include rituals celebrated in the temple, opera on a stage facing the temple, processions of the gods’ images on carts throughout villages and cities, performance of musical and ritual troupes (of Taoists, sects and Confucian ritualists), blessing of offerings brought to the temple by families, and various economic activities.
Geography and local customs lead to great differences in the nature of festivals dedicated to the gods.There are much more local practices, organised by village temples or clusters of temples of different villages.
