God Pig

On the 6th day of Chinese New Year, there is a temple festival in

Sanxia, Taiwan, that celebrates the pig. This year, being the Chinese

year of the Golden Pig (happens once every 60 years), it takes on

extra importance. Pigs are grown, fattened and offered as a sacrifice

to the gods. The fattest go on display outside the temple. This years

"winner" as fattest pig, weighed in at almost 800kg (1600 pounds).

Haven't checked out your photo's for a while.....been busy writing a thesis on Chinese religion....hence a new folder here 'Chinese deities'. Think 'Pu Hsien'is my favorite in the folder as I like the colors. Taken at Taipei's Long Shan Temple..........went there today actually, as at the start of the new year, they welcome in the new 'year god'known as the Tai Sui. There are 60 of them in all, as the ancients believed that a human life should last 60 years..........anyway....

I love this photo......definitely one of your best. I wish I could paint something like this, but unfortunately I never will. The shaddow rather than a frame works well too.

Your work is getting better and better. I went to the pig festival back in 2002, but didn't get a shot as good as this one, but got one of a butcher and his prize 'god pig' before he chopped it up for human consumption

Best wishes, and happy Chinese New Year

Fabian