The Taoist Drum 鼓

Drum is in the shape of a cylinder or a flat circle, with a bulging edge, a hollow interior, and one or both sides covered with leather. Drums are divided into large drums and small drums: large drums are used in Taoist temples when starting and ending quiet hours in the morning and evening, in coordination with large bells and clappers; small drums are used as ritual instruments in Taoist altars, in conjunction with small bells.

The sound of the drum is believed to have the functions of communicating with gods and warding off evil spirits. Taoism has quite specific requirements for drumming. It can produce simulated sounds of "wind, cloud, thunder and rain" and can match the rhythm of Taoist hymns, which is called "flowery beats". Taishang Zhuguo Jiumin Zongzhen Miyao (Supreme Essential Secrets for Assisting the Country and Saving the People) states: "When holding a fasting ritual or performing Taoist ceremonies, one must first beat the ritual drum."