The Rite of Passage of Tainan

This custom had began from three hundred years ago.In the early, there are many child labors worked in Tainan canal.When the child is sixteen years old,he can get the same salary as the adult.
So this day is very important for the child.It not only means they are grow up but also they have responsibilities to family and society like the adult.
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Kai Long Temple is the oldest one which still hold this custom.

Because the temple is consecrated to Seven Mothers,also called Seven Mothers Temple.Seven Mothers is seven daugthers of Jade Emperor.Why does the Rite of Passage has relationship with Seven Mothers?According to the people of temple say:the medical treatment and sanitation of Tainan were not good in the early.So people believe that Seven Mothers will help them to take care the child.In order to express their thanks to Seven Mothers,they take place the Rite of Passage on Seven Mothers's birthday(7/7 of Chinese lunar calendar).Not only to celebrate the child is grow up also say thanks to Seven Mothers.

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People always prepare offering,thin noodles,tamales,and four fruits to consecrate Seven Mothers.

Otherwise,perfume,rouge,mirror,comb,needlework are also important because Seven Mothers are female.

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The most special process is the child needs to crawl through Seven Mothers pavilion which is raised by parents or through Seven Mothers's table.And they may wear a red suit to do it.This is the main process to express the child has departed the protection from Seven Mothers and grow up to be the adult!

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edit by Seven and May

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photos from :

.7mother.baibai.com.tw
. www.vrwalker.net/tw/scenery_view.php?tbname=scenerys&serno=660