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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twenty Three: Stirring emotions through atmosphere and mood. > Incense, Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006
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29-MAR-2006

Incense, Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006

This temple is the most colorful in Taipei. Hundreds of worshippers ignite their incense sticks in the huge brass fire pit at right. The air is thick with sacred smoke. A woman grasps her lighted sticks, points them skyward, looks up and begins to pray. Those around her are about to do the same. I photographed here for almost an hour. The beating of drums, chimes, and gongs and the repetitive changes of prayer amidst the clouds of sweet smelling smoke, never stopped. This image characterizes the atmosphere here. It is one of passion, fervid reverence, pungent smells, and hypnotic sounds. The memory of its smell is still with me.

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Phil Douglis06-May-2006 04:35
The burning of incense is not only part of Buddhist and Taoist ritual, Christine. This ancient ritual is performed in Catholic services, and perhaps even others as well. Its sweet smell is a form of religious offering. In fact, the use of fire in religious ritual is common to most faiths -- lighting candles, for example. And yes, rituals are part of what give a culture its identity. ( See my gallery on The Day of the Dead athttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/festivals -- nearly all of those images are based on some kind of ritual.)
Guest 06-May-2006 02:08
Such an old tradition by people who look quite modern. It feels almost like superstition, but they probably see our own religions and their symbols the same way. Rituals are important for many cultures, including ours.
Christine
Phil Douglis20-Apr-2006 05:39
"Hynotic" is a good word for this temple, Carol. It was an overwhelming sensory experience. I am delighted that you find the image worthy of that word as well. I wanted the mood and atmosphere in this image to activate the senses of my viewers, and in your case it has affected your eyes, ears, and nose. And you can just feel how she holds those sticks in both hands -- with passion, respect and reverence. For another image of a celebrant at Longshan, seehttp://www.pbase.com/pnd1/image/58754358
Carol E Sandgren20-Apr-2006 03:34
The whole image is hypnotic, with the faces of reverence against the smoky background of the incense. I can just smell the intoxicating incense that never leaves your lungs for a many hours, and hear the repetitve sounds of the drums. And I can feel that passion of these people who are praying.

I experienced a similar scene in Guatemala at the Festival of the Black Christ. Bonfires and incense everywhere inside and outside the church, crowds of worshippers. It was unforgettable.
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