Wen Trung Temple

[Hway Jee Temple] [Shih Lin Elementary] 
[Wen Trung Temple] [memory garden] 
[dah liao layer] [yellow leaf plantlife] 
[Kai King legend]  [Wen Trung God and scholars]

title: hway jee temple

artist: Wu and Wu ( team members )

In 1840, Mr. Pan, a local gentleman, build the Wen Trung Temple which not only worshipped the Wen Trung God, but also provided free education to the public.

Most students in the early days attended school in the Wen Trung Temple, and so the saying goes like "every three steps you meet a scholar here". And that's why Shih-Lin got its name ( Shih meaning scholars, Lin meaning forest )

Now, behind the Stone God Temple, there is a rock whose natural shape looked like the reading equipment of scholars, and is therefore named "pen,paper and ink."

Because famous scholars are constantly born in this area, people believe that it's because of the blessing of the Wen Trung God, and so every February 3, the birthday of that God, students dress up and offer cow and fruit to the God.

Even today, during the testing season, students bring their registration materials and ID cards to ask the God for his blessings. Typical offerings include green onions ( its sound suggests wisdom ), celery ( suggesting perseverance ) and turnips ( suggesting good luck ). The temple also holds big blessing meetings and the place is often crowded with parents and students alike.  Quite a scene to see!

For centuries, testing has been a big part of the Chinese culture, and judging from the number of people who come to this temple, it's likely that this trend will continue for centuries more.

<<Mr.Shee's interview>>