Growing up beside the tranquil Mazu Temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung always felt a deep connection to the sea goddess. đ Little did he know that this childhood bond would lead to a lifelong friendship spanning generations and bridging the Taiwan Strait.
Mazu, revered as the Chinese goddess of the sea, originally hailed from Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, just across the Taiwan Strait. When Tsai discovered this, an irresistible urge to visit her ancestral temple took hold of him. In 1981, driven by faith and curiosity, he embarked on a journey to Meizhou Island.
Upon arrival, Tsai met a kindred spiritâanother devotee of Mazu. Their shared reverence for the goddess transcended borders and language, sparking a friendship that would endure over 40 years. ⨠Despite the distance, Tsai and his newfound friend kept in touch, their bond symbolizing the deep cultural ties that connect people across the strait.
Their story is a testament to how shared traditions and beliefs can foster understanding and friendship, even across oceans. đ It's a reminder that our cultural heritage has the power to connect us all.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
