LS, MS Outside the Confucius Temple in Taipei, foreigner guests' cars stopped at the entrance, and people started going in to witness the yearly solemn ceremony in honour to Confucius' birthday.



MS, CU One of the many Confucius' followers beated on the drum to touch off the beginning of the ceremony.



MS Service officials ready for function, and kids participated in the dance to be followed later started to march into their position.



MS Chairman of the service, Huang Chi-jui who's also Taipei City's Mayor (One in the middle of three in a line, tallone with glasses), took his position ready to start the service.



MLS Service officials opening gate and march alongside it in a gesture to invite into the temple the ghost of Confucius, or rather his spirit.



CU Close-up shots of the master of ceremony ready the program.



CU, MCU Musicians playing their Chinese ancient musical instruments.



Chairman offering sacrifices, followed by shots of ox and sheep.



MS, CU, LS Children in Chinese costumes dancing a sacred dance.



CU A Musician playing a Chinese Harp, more dance scenes.



MS Foreigner guests, including Japanese and U.S. Ambassador Rankin (Gentleman wears glasses in second shot of audiences).



MS, MCU Confucius' great-Grandson marched up to rite-site and did his offerings of sacrifice.




Initials



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Background: Solemn rites were carried out in accordance with the ancient Chinese traditions in celebrating the 250th birthday of Confucius in Taiwan.

Under the auspices of the Taipei City Government, the ceremony was attended by a large number of foreign guests, including the American Ambassador, Karl L. Rankin, and some 500 civilian representatives and teachers.

It was a contrast of ancient and modern as guests cars drew up at the entrance to the Confucius Temple in Taipei.

The Mayor of Taipei City, Huang Chi-jui conducted the celebrations. Musicians played ancient Chinese instruments and drums, and children in Chinese costumes danced sacred dances.

A highlight of the occasion was the homage paid by Confucius' great grandson of the 72nd generation Kung Teh-Cheng, and by the offering of sacrifices which included a 300-catty ox, a pig weighing more than 100 cattles and a whole sheep.

Ancient dances were performed by a group of fifth-graders of the Talungtung Primary School. There was also a display of ancient utensils for use during the traditional rites.