Facing China, one Taiwan Coast Guard officer draws strength from the gods (www.reuters.com)
from schizoidman@lemmy.zip to world@lemmy.world on 29 Jun 01:35
https://lemmy.zip/post/66995083

When Yeh Chih-sheng steps aboard Taiwan Coast ​Guard vessel CG1005 in the choppy waters of the Taiwan Strait, he brings more than his ‌uniform and orders: he also has temple charms blessed by the gods revered by fishermen for protection at sea.

Off duty, he is an assistant priest, or “sio-huat” in Taiwanese, at a Penghu temple ​devoted to the Five Lords — guardian deities long worshipped by coastal communities for safe seas ⁠and protection from plague.

Yeh has served the gods since primary school, helping spirit mediums during rituals in which deities ​are believed to descend from the heavens and deliver instructions.

#world