Dajia Mazu Makes Rare Stop at Liufang Mazu Altar, Reuniting Deities After 21 Years

In Taiwan, the spiritual landscape is vibrant, and the recent 'Double Mazu Meeting' between the revered Dajia Mazu and Liufang Mazu has stirred deep emotion among devotees. Liberty Times reports on this significant event, where the Dajia Mazu procession, during its return journey, made a special detour to the Liufang Mazu red altar in Tucheng. This reunion, the first in 21 years, has been described as a moment of profound excitement for the thousands of followers who gathered in the early hours to witness it.

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The significance of this meeting extends beyond the mere passage of time. Typically, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage follows a set route. However, an invitation was extended to include the Liufang Mazu red altar, a deviation from the planned itinerary. This special invitation, as explained by Xu Wancheng, chairman of the ROC Liufang Mazu Association, highlights the deep respect and connection between these two revered deities and their followers. The anticipation for this event was so high that many devotees arrived at the altar well before 3 a.m. to secure a vantage point for this auspicious occasion.

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The last 'Double Mazu Meeting' was in 2006, also at the Tucheng rotating red altar. This time, it was not on the planned route, so we specially invited Dajia Mazu to visit during the return journey for a meeting, hoping for Mazu's blessings for everyone's peace and smoothness.

Local communities, particularly in Tucheng, have mobilized to welcome the pilgrims, offering refreshments and meals, creating a festive atmosphere. The report also touches upon the upcoming 'Guo Lu' ceremony for Liufang Mazu on May 31st, an event that signifies the transfer of the Mazu deity's blessings from one rotating administrative area to another. The Dajia Mazu's journey continues through Yunlin, with local officials and residents lining the streets, setting up altars, and participating in the tradition of 'drilling the sedan chair' (鑽轎底), a practice where believers lie on the ground to allow the deity's palanquin to pass over them, seeking blessings. This event is a powerful testament to the enduring faith and cultural traditions that are central to Taiwanese society, showcasing a unique blend of religious devotion and community spirit.

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Dajia Mazu's pilgrimage procession is returning and is currently within the jurisdiction of Huwei, Yunlin. Many believers are setting up altars at their doorsteps to welcome the palanquin. The number of people drilling the sedan chair is a long queue.