Commemorative Ceremony Celebrates Fu Xi and Chinese Heritage Across the Taiwan Strait

At a commemorative ceremony held in Tianshui, Gansu province, on Saturday, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, Ma Ying-jeou, highlighted the strong adherence to Chinese culture and identity by most Taiwanese people. This annual event, which honors Fu Xi—a legendary figure regarded as the progenitor of Chinese civilization—has deep roots in local tradition and took place at Fu Xi Temple, a significant cultural site.

Alongside a delegation of Taiwanese students, Ma participated in the ceremony, emphasizing its importance for the younger generation to engage with their rich cultural heritage. He remarked that such traditions not only reflect the Chinese nation’s respect for its roots and ancestors but also present valuable experiences for youth to appreciate their cultural legacy.

The ceremony commenced at 9:50 am and was executed simultaneously on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, marking the twelfth consecutive joint commemoration of Fu Xi. As the event began, 34 drumbeats resonated, symbolizing the descendants of Chinese civilization throughout various regions, including Taiwan and special administrative areas like Hong Kong and Macao. The proceedings included various solemn rituals, such as eulogies, ceremonial bowing, and cultural performances.

During the occasion, Ma was joined by Song Tao, the head of key offices pertaining to Taiwan affairs, as they paid their respects at the ancestral temple. Ma expressed that bringing a student delegation to the ceremony illustrated the Taiwanese people's dedication to honoring their ancestors and maintaining their cultural traditions, while stressing the importance of preserving and transmitting this heritage for future generations.

He voiced his hope that the tribute to the cultural ancestor would inspire collaboration among youth on both sides of the Strait toward achieving a prosperous future for the Chinese nation. The Tianshui event saw approximately 750 attendees, with more than 240 being compatriots from Taiwan.

In New Taipei City, where a parallel ceremony was conducted, KMT politician and officiant Wang Jinpyng acknowledged Fu Xi as a cornerstone of Chinese culture. He expressed aspiration to enhance the influence of Fu Xi culture on the island to bolster cultural confidence and identity. Additionally, Lee Chien-lung, overseeing Xianse Temple, stressed that the ceremony aimed not only to pay homage to the ancestor but also to serve as an educational tool to inspire the youth, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.