Dajia Mazu Procession Begins Return Trek Home
The Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, one of the biggest events on Taiwan's religious calendar, is starting to wrap up, with pilgrims carrying a sacred statue of the sea goddess Mazu back to her home temple. But there are still surprises on the return trip — and some surprising people have shown up to take part, too.
Annual Dajia Mazu Procession in Yunlin County
REPORTER:
Devotees of the sea goddess Mazu surge through the streets of Yunlin County in central Taiwan, following a sacred statue on its way back to its home temple. This is the annual Dajia Mazu procession—a 340 km, nine-day religious journey that’s among the highlights of Taiwan’s religious calendar. But this year, there’s a special detour.
REPORTER:
Taiwan is home to many revered statues of the goddess, the Dajia Mazu statue just one of them. A meeting between two or more of them is a great occasion. So there’s a lot of excitement as it nears the home of the Liufangma statue, which believers say, has invited the Dajia statue over for a visit. The last time these two “met” was in 2005, over 20 years ago.
Mazu Worshipper:
I’m 75.
It’s really moving.
I’ve only encountered this once in my life.
Mazu Worshipper:
Twenty-odd years ago
I didn’t take part [in the procession].
I’m very happy and excited.
REPORTER:
Mazu belief is widespread from Taiwan and the Chinese coast down into Southeast Asia, but as one man helping to lead the procession shows, her fame has spread beyond this core area. Mr. Takagi from Japan is taking part in the pilgrimage for a second year — this time, with the solemn duty of helping clear the path for the pilgrims. It’s a harder task than it looks.
Mr. Takagi (MEMBER, PROCESSION LEADER TEAM):
When walking, you have to maintain
a square around yourself.
Sometimes they remind me
that my [flagpole] angle is wrong.
You have to hold [the banner] at around 45 degrees.
REPORTER:
With the return journey underway, the procession is nearing its end. But for devotees, there are still more spiritually profound and exciting moments ahead.
Joseph Wu and John Van Trieste for TaiwanPlus.
