The annual Mazu Pilgrimage proceeded into Xiluo Township in Yunlin County late April 10, drawing thousands of faithful locals along the way to show their devotion to one of Taiwan’s most revered deities.
The palanquin bearing Mazu started its 330-kilometer journey April 8 from Jenn Lann Temple, where the statue of the goddess is normally housed, in the Dajia District of Taichung City.
“The Mazu Pilgrimage is Taiwan’s most celebrated religious event,” Council for Cultural Affairs Minister Emile Chih-jen Sheng said. “It’s a tradition that should be respected and preserved,” he added.
During the nine-day journey hundreds and thousands of followers will line the streets to get a glimpse of Mazu and participate in the festivities, organizers said.
In 2010 the CCA listed the Mazu Pilgrimage as a national intangible cultural asset, putting the festival alongside the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage and the Ghost Festival.
Pilgrims departing from Jenn Lann Temple have walked through Taichung City, Changhua and Yunlin counties, and are scheduled to reach Xingang Feng Tian Temple in Chiayi County April 11, before making the return trip back to Dajia.
Mazu is the deified spirit of Lin Mo-niang, a woman from the Song dynasty (960-1279). Commonly known as the patron goddess of sailors and fishermen, Mazu is very popular in Taiwan with more than 400 temples dedicated to her. (HZW)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw