video transcript

Taiwanese Christians re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Dozens attend a ceremony in the capital Taipei, where an actor is bound and symbolically nailed to a cross. The re-enactment marks the start of Easter, one of the holiest days on the Christian calender. It is when Jesus is said to have been crucified and resurrected from the dead - a sacrifice and rebirth that resonated with many in attendance. (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 55-YEAR-OLD HOUSEWIFE LINDA LU SAYING: "For us Catholics, through Jesus' pain we learn about tolerance, sacrifice, and contribution, and at the same time we feel sympathy towards other people's pain." (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 58-YEAR-OLD BUSINESSMAN IGNATIUS LAI SAYING: "Everyone of us must take a bit of suffering and sacrifice, learn to live a life like Jesus, this is the only way to achieve world peace." Christianity was brought to Taiwan in the 19th century by Spanish missionairies and the island is home to tens of thousands of Catholics. Andrew Raven, Reuters