Moon Blocks (筊杯)

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Moon Blocks (Pua̍h-Pue) in Taiwanese Culture

Jiaobei, also known as moon blocks, are a traditional divination tool widely used in Taiwan’s temples for seeking guidance from deities. These wooden or bamboo crescent-shaped blocks are thrown onto the ground in pairs, with different landing positions indicating divine responses: a “yes” (one block flat, one curved), a “no” (both curved), or “unclear” (both flat).

In Taiwanese folk religion, believers use jiaobei to consult gods on important life decisions, such as career choices, marriage, and business matters. Temples often provide these blocks for devotees to communicate with deities after offering incense and prayers. The practice reflects the deep-rooted belief in spiritual guidance and the close relationship between people and deities in Taiwanese culture.