Photo: Wang Chu-hsiu, Taipei TimesThe Japanese introduced the practice of eating beef to Taiwan after they took over in 1895. On Lunar New Year’s Day worshippers come to the Water Buffalo General Temple to rub the temple’s wooden effigy for good luck. Visitors generally offer water, fruit, flowers, sugarcane and grass for the divine bovine. It typically involves whipping an effigy of an ox or water buffalo to symbolize getting ready for the planting season after a winter of idleness. Yilan City’s Wugu Temple (五穀廟) even brings in a live water buffalo for people to rub while reciting similar sayings as Chiayi’s event.

Source: Taipei Times March 16, 2021 15:56 UTC