Hey amigos! Have you heard about Mazu, the legendary sea goddess? 🌟 This week, the Mazu Cultural Activity Week kicked off on Meizhou Island in Putian City, southeast China's Fujian Province. It's one of the 50 epic events at the 16th Straits Forum!
With themes like \"Chinese affection for Mazu\" and \"Both sides of the Taiwan Strait being one family,\" this week-long fiesta highlights youth interaction, grassroots exchanges, and economic and trade integration. It's all about bringing people together across the Strait! 🤝
Who is Mazu? 🐚
Mazu was a compassionate young woman named Lin Mo who lived in the 10th century on Meizhou Island. She dedicated her life to helping those in need and is believed to have perished during a daring sea rescue at just 27. After her passing, locals began to honor her as a goddess protecting sailors and fishermen. When setting sail, they'd pray to Mazu for safe journeys and bountiful catches. 🎣
A Shared Tradition Across the Strait 🌏
The belief in Mazu has long been a cherished tradition on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. In 1989, fishermen from Yilan in Taiwan escorted a Mazu statue to Meizhou, marking the first direct sea trip between the two sides since the founding of New China—even before official direct sea routes began! 🚢
In 1997, a Mazu statue from Meizhou toured Taiwan for 102 days, drawing over 10 million devotees. Just last September, over 500 Taiwan compatriots joined a 10-day Mazu pilgrimage in Putian. Every year, more than 300,000 Taiwan people visit Meizhou for pilgrimages and sightseeing. That's some serious cultural connection! 🛐
Building Bridges with Culture 🏗️
Wu Cheng-tien, chairman of Taiwan's New Party, said at the opening ceremony, \"Mazu culture is an important bridge and link that maintains the emotions of people across the Strait, and is the witness and continuation of their bloodline affinity.\" ❤️
Sun Dechong, executive vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Enterprises, noted that the shared belief in Mazu uniquely promotes cross-Strait integrated development and strengthens spiritual bonds. It's all about unity, heritage, and looking towards a harmonious future together. 🌠
So next time you think about the sea, remember Mazu—the goddess who continues to inspire and unite people across the waves. 🌊✨
Reference(s):
Sea goddess Mazu facilitates cross-Straits spiritual bonding
cgtn.com
