This photo taken on June 22, 2023 shows a worshipping dance performance during a commemoration ceremony of Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)
LANZHOU, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, was commemorated on Thursday by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
A ceremony kicked off to drumbeats and bell tolling at 9:50 a.m. (Beijing Time) in the city of Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, which is considered to be the ancestor's birthplace. More than 1,000 people from more than 10 countries and regions were in attendance.
The commemoration was followed by a series of practices and rituals, including the reading of a eulogy, the presentation of sacrifices to a statue of Fuxi, and worship through the medium of dance.
Fuxi is believed to have been the inventor of writing, fishing and hunting. Worshipping Fuxi is a tradition in China with a history of more than 2,000 years. The ceremony was listed as a form of national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council in 2006.
A similar annual event was held at the same time in New Taipei City on Thursday, marking the 10th year that the legendary figure has been commemorated simultaneously on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Chen Chen-hsiang, former vice chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, attended the ceremony in New Taipei. Chen emphasized the importance of unity between people from both sides of the Strait, highlighting their shared heritage as one family.
Chen called for concerted endeavors to safeguard and pass on the rich traditional Chinese culture. "The collective commemoration of Fuxi not only strengthens cultural exchange but also fosters peace and mutual prosperity across the Strait."
In addition to the commemoration event, Tianshui has also organized cultural tourism festivals and forums related to Fuxi culture. An online platform has been established for worshippers to pay tribute to Fuxi. ■
