Growing up beside the Mazu Temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung was immersed in the rich traditions of Mazu worship. Mazu, revered as the Chinese goddess of the sea, has been a guiding spirit for coastal communities across the Taiwan Strait.
In 1981, upon learning that Mazu originated from Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, Tsai felt a profound calling to visit her ancestral temple. Driven by devotion, he embarked on a journey across the Taiwan Strait to Meizhou Island.
There, Tsai met a fellow devotee who shared his deep faith in Mazu. Despite the distance and the times, the two families formed a bond that has endured for over four decades. Their friendship, rooted in shared beliefs and cultural heritage, transcends generations and borders.
This enduring relationship between Tsai's family in Taiwan and his friend on Meizhou Island is a testament to the unifying power of shared traditions. It highlights how cultural and religious ties continue to foster connections between people across the Taiwan Strait.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
