'Highway Mazu' travels north for blessings, specifically requests to ride in a 'red zebra' patrol car

In a display of Taiwan's unique cultural tapestry, the "Highway Mazu" from Yunlin's Xiluo Guangfu Temple has once again undertaken its annual pilgrimage along the nation's highways. This year marked the 13th consecutive year of this distinctive tradition, where the revered "Lao Da Ma" (Old Great Mother) statue travels north to bless travelers and highway police. The pilgrimage is a deeply ingrained local event, showcasing a fascinating intersection of religious devotion and everyday life.

What sets this Mazu procession apart is its intimate connection with the highway system. The "Highway Mazu" specifically requests to ride in a "red zebra" – a highway police patrol car – during its journey. This year, the statue was seen in patrol cars from the Hsinchu and Taoyuan service areas, and even took up temporary residence at highway police stations. This practice, initiated in 2014, has become a highlight, with officers and the public alike seeking blessings for safe travels and secure duty.

Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the National Highway Police Bureau were present to welcome the statue, underscoring the significance of this event. They expressed gratitude for the Mazu's blessings, emphasizing that "overall safety" is the highest goal for highway police. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural practices that permeate Taiwanese society, where faith plays a visible and active role in public life. For many Taiwanese, this "Highway Mazu" is not just a religious icon but a symbol of protection and community, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the local context and perhaps differently than how such a unique blend of faith and infrastructure might be perceived internationally.