A Bond of Friendship Transcending Generations
Growing up beside the Mazu Temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung was deeply influenced by the reverence for Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea. The temple, a center of devotion and community life, shaped his upbringing and spiritual beliefs.
When Tsai learned that Mazu originated from Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, across the Taiwan Strait, he felt a profound calling to visit her ancestral temple. In 1981, driven by faith and curiosity, Tsai embarked on a journey to Meizhou Island. The voyage was not just a physical crossing but a bridge between cultures and shared heritage.
On Meizhou Island, Tsai met a fellow devotee of Mazu, whose family embraced him with warmth and shared beliefs. This meeting sparked a friendship that would endure over four decades, transcending geographical and political divides. The families maintained close contact, nurturing a bond rooted in shared traditions and mutual respect.
The story of Tsai and his enduring friendship illustrates the deep cultural connections that unite people across the Taiwan Strait. It exemplifies how shared heritage and beliefs can foster understanding and bridge divides, highlighting the timeless influence of cultural practices in bringing communities together.
Reference(s):
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