The Mazu Cultural Activity Week commenced on Friday on Meizhou Island in Putian City, southeast China’s Fujian Province. Celebrating the revered sea goddess Mazu, the week-long event aims to deepen spiritual connections across the Taiwan Strait.
Focusing on themes of shared heritage and kinship, the activities include youth interactions, grassroots exchanges, and economic and trade integration initiatives. The event seeks to strengthen bonds and promote well-being among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Who is Mazu?
Mazu, a goddess of the sea, was a young woman named Lin Mo who lived in the 10th century on Meizhou Island. Known for her compassion and bravery, she dedicated her life to helping those in need and is believed to have perished at 27 while rescuing shipwreck victims. Over centuries, she has become a symbol of protection for sailors and fishermen who pray for her blessing before embarking on voyages.
A Shared Belief Across the Strait
The veneration of Mazu is a cultural bond shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. In 1989, fishermen from Yilan in the Taiwan region initiated the first direct sea trip since the founding of the People’s Republic of China by escorting a Mazu statue to Meizhou Island. This event predated the official commencement of direct cross-strait sea routes and highlighted the deep spiritual ties rooted in Mazu worship.
In 1997, a Mazu statue from Meizhou embarked on a 102-day tour of the Taiwan region, drawing over 10 million worshippers. In September 2023, a 10-day pilgrimage in Putian attracted more than 500 compatriots from 18 counties and cities in the Taiwan region.
Annually, Meizhou Island welcomes over 300,000 visitors from the Taiwan region for pilgrimages and sightseeing, according to local authorities.
Promoting Cross-Strait Integration
In September, Fujian Province was designated as a demonstration zone for cross-strait integrated development. The initiative encourages various forms of exchanges based on shared cultural practices like Mazu belief. It also proposes joint efforts to promote cultural heritage, including applying for World Cultural Heritage status for Mazu cultural relics.
“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same roots and have an inextricable cultural and emotional connection. Mazu culture is an important bridge linking the emotions of people across the Strait and is a testament to our shared heritage,” said Wu Cheng-tien, chairman of Taiwan’s New Party, at the opening ceremony of the Mazu Cultural Activity Week.
Sun Dechong, executive vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Enterprises, emphasized the unique role of Mazu belief in promoting cross-strait integration and fostering spiritual bonds among people across the Strait.
Reference(s):
Sea goddess Mazu facilitates cross-Straits spiritual bonding
cgtn.com
