TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s annual pilgrimage of the sea goddess Matsu began on Friday (April 5).
The nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage will start at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung and return on the ninth day, per CNA. The route will span a distance of approximately 340 km and make stops at more than 100 temples in Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi counties.
Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei (王惠美) and other officials arrived at the temple in the morning to pay respects to the pilgrims. Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Jiang (江啟臣) arrived in the evening to observe the sedan chair ceremony.
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Chair Yen Ching-piao (顏清標) said that Matsu is compassionate and the spirit of love should be cherished. “Today, there are about 40 to 50 stalls selling food on the streets of Dajia and tens of thousands of people in the area. It is evident that following in Matsu’s footsteps is the right path,” he said.
Yen asked everyone to cooperate and walk out safely and happily under Matsu's blessing. He remarked that this year is the year of the dragon.
The Dajia Matsu pilgrimage has its origins in the 18th century when a family from China's Fujian Province brought a statue of Matsu to Taiwan. More information can be found here.
