•Publication Date：03/10/2014
•Source： China Times
A series of graphic guides to the annual Mazu pilgrimage processions , occurring around the goddess’ birthday on the 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar, were released by the ROC Ministry of Culture March 8 in Taipei City.
The three graphic guides cover the processions centered on Gong Tian Temple in Baishatun, Miaoli County, northern Taiwan; Chaotian Temple in Beigang Township, Yunlin County, southern Taiwan; and Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia Township, Taichung City, central Taiwan, which kick off March 21, April 6 and April 18, respectively, this year.
“These processions have been listed as national intangible cultural assets,” MOC Bureau of Culture Heritage Director-General Shy Gwo-long said. “Hundreds of thousands of people participate every year, including many young people. This set of booklets uses lively graphics to introduce the religious ideas, rituals, costumes and flags used in the ceremonies, so that people can gain a deeper appreciation of the pilgrimages’ significance to Taiwan.”
Beigang’s Chaotian Temple holds two Mazu processions per year. One takes place around the Lantern Festival in the first month of the lunar calendar and the other, around the goddess’ birthday. The processions comprise two important sections. The first centers around the effigy of the goddess carried in a palanquin and escorted in a parade, while the second is composed of children dressed as characters from traditional folk tales and parading on floats.
The Dajia pilgrimage lasts nine days and eight nights, covering 300 kilometers. “But do not think about coming along to diet,” organizer Lin Mao-hsien said. The worshippers along the route will not let you proceed unless you eat their food, he said, contrary to a customary prohibition on eating food offered by strangers.
Nor do pilgrims need to worry about accommodation or a place to rest their tired shoulders en route, as people along the way are very hospitable.
The Baishatun Gong Tian Temple procession adheres to its old tradition of not following a fixed route, but proceeding according to the goddess’ will as communicated to her bearers. Amazingly, they always get to the final destination on time.
According to Lin, Mazu could decide to go anywhere: across private property, along the river embankment, and down the freeway. Once she even took a brief tour inside a supermarket. Because of this unpredictable itinerary, worshippers along the route often have no time to light incense, and instead offer a silent prayer clasping their hands.
