Mazu was originally Lin Moniang, who, according to one version of this legend, died at age 16 of exhaustion after swimming far into the ocean trying to find her lost father and that her corpse later washed ashore in Nankan Island of the Matsu Islands. After her death, the families of many fishermen and sailors began to pray to her in honor of her acts of courage in trying to save those at sea. Her worship spread quickly. Much of her popularity in comparison to other sea deities resulted from her role as a compassionate motherly protector.
Initially, Mazu just blessed the sea for fishermen. But as time went by, people prayed to her for health, career, farming, relationship, and all sorts of concerns. She has become a guardian angel for Taiwanese people. According to a research team studying Taiwanese Folk Religion at the Providence University in central Taiwan, Mazu has to go on a tour of inspection every year. She has to do this to check on her people, spread her blessings, and repel evil for them. Pilgrims organize processions to escort Mazu every year. The ritual serves as a social event for Mazu in different regions and her followers.
This video takes place in Peikang Township, Yunlin, Taiwan, April 18, 2009. My photographs from this festival can be seen here: [ Ссылка ]
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