安民與遣送疫情下的臺灣民俗與信仰──以驅瘟與代巡儀式為觀察核心

Peace and Evacuation Taiwanese Folklore and Beliefs Amidst the Epidemic—Focusing on the Rituals of Plague Expulsion and Patrol

華人世界各時期發生瘟疫時，皆會辦理宗教儀式期待消除疫情，也產生各種民俗防範與對應。對於瘟疫的思考從驅除、防護到心靈的寄託與安慰，也隨時代變遷，有著不同的對應與想像。
本文希望透過一手觀察，記錄南部數個重要儀式面對兩難的相關情況。2020年瘟疫爆發當時，臺灣民間宮廟除要面對公共衛生的防疫，還要面對輿論爭議的雙重壓力。後續面對瘟疫時，民間宮廟開始辦理各種驅瘟與防疫儀式，以防疫、驅逐、息災的思考來對應不同的儀式目的。而作為定期驅逐瘟疫的迎送代天巡狩儀式，在疫情中也面對宗教民俗與公眾輿論、防疫衛生等多重面向的挑戰。
本次疫情因其影響性是近代最大，也因為媒體、網路與社群的發展，訊息傳播與民眾感知都是前所未有的快速，民間信仰儀式，也常造成公衛與民俗信仰的兩難與衝突，民間宮廟經常必需快速的反應與調適。

Religion often plays a crucial role during disasters, especially during major infectious disease outbreaks（plagues）. From expulsion, protection, to spiritual solace and comfort, during recent epidemics like SARS and COVID-19, various religious ceremonies have timely played significant roles. However, due to the immediacy of the events, there are few related records. This article aims to provide firsthand observations and insights into some situations during those times.
Observing the outbreak of the plague in 2020, the Taiwanese folk temples faced various situations related to epidemic prevention and avoidance of controversies. Apart from the dual pressures of public health and public opinion, as the plague continued, popular temples began to conduct various rituals for expelling and preventing the plague, roughly categorized into three types：epidemic prevention, expulsion, and cease of disasters, each corresponding to different thoughts and objectives. The regular ritual of welcoming the celestial patrol to expel the plague also faced multiple pressures, including religious customs, public opinions, epidemic prevention, and medical issues. We have thus documented the dilemmas faced by several important rituals in the southern region.
The popular belief rituals during this epidemic have had the most extensive influence in modern times. With the development of media, the internet, and social networks, the rapid dissemination of information and public perception have been unprecedented. This often leads to dilemmas and conflicts between public health and popular beliefs. Popular temples frequently find themselves stuck in such dilemmas, necessitating rapid responses and adjustments.