format_quote Originally Posted by
מדינת ישׂראל
What exactly is Taoism? Is it like Budhism and developed in China?
Taoism is a religion introduced by Lao-Tse. He wrote a book called Tao Te Sung. The symbol usually used by Taoists are 'ying & Yang' or red swastika.
It's like a chinese folk religions involved lots of superstitious belief, 'Fengshui', "taichi" created by Taoism.
This month is a very busy month for Taoists in Malaysia as they're celebrating 'Hungry Ghost Festival' which they offers a lot for ancestors who are dead. Penang, particularly is the best place to observe this kind of practices.
Malaysian Chinese follows Mahayana Buddhism which also incorporated lots of Taoism and Confucianism in their belief. But there are Chinese who prefers to practice Taoism solely.
We Malaysians have to learn Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Hinduism and sikhism which is part of our education curriculum.
Schools also organize trips to these religions' house of worship.
I've been to Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, Confucian temples, Hindu temples and churches.
Taoists funeral service are so massive and elaborate. I know this because there are two Taoist families living by my house. When someone dead they'll host a big feast (for the dead) which includes roasted pigs (the bigger the better), lot's of 'pau' (chinese kind of bread) and some side dishes on a big table in front of their houses. Usually, it'll create traffic jams, but we are tolerant with it because we are accustomed to it. Then the Taoist priests will bless the food by circling the table with holding bells and make it ringing, followed by relatives. The mourners usually wears black or white dress. Then the mourners will wear 'gunny sack' on their head.
There are professional mourners which must be paid handsomely. The more wailing sound they made the higher the price.