Perched atop Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, southeastern China, stands a majestic statue of Mazu, the revered sea goddess worshipped by coastal communities across Asia. This iconic landmark draws visitors from around the world, captivated by its serene presence and cultural significance.
What many may not realize is that this statue is part of a pair. Across the Taiwan Strait, on the island of Taiwan, the counterpart statue graces the summit of the Mazu Culture Tower at Chaotian Temple in Beigang. Together, these twin statues symbolize the deep-rooted bonds and shared heritage between the people on both sides of the strait.
Mazu, known as the protector of sailors and fishermen, has been a unifying figure in Chinese maritime culture for centuries. The twin statues not only represent religious devotion but also embody the hopes for peace and connection across the strait.
The story of how these two statues came to gaze at each other is a tale of cultural exchange and mutual respect. They serve as a reminder of the shared traditions and the enduring spirit of unity among communities separated by the sea yet linked by history and belief.
Reference(s):
The Journey of the Goddess | The story of the Mazu stone statues
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