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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Culture & Society

Mazu blesses Children's Amusement Park Ferris wheel; free entry before noon

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Mazu, a revered sea goddess, ascended the Ferris wheel at Taipei Children's Amusement Park for a blessing ceremony, dubbed the "Divine Sky Wheel Blessing."
  • The event, co-hosted by Taipei Metro Recreation Company and Taipei Hulu Temple, offered free park entry until noon for the public.
  • The ceremony aimed to bring peace and happiness to citizens, with the Ferris wheel symbolizing blessings and good fortune.

In a unique blend of religious tradition and modern entertainment, Mazu, the revered sea goddess, took a symbolic ride on the Ferris wheel at Taipei Children's Amusement Park for a special blessing ceremony. Co-organized by Taipei Metro Recreation Company and Taipei Hulu Temple, the event, themed "Ascend High for Blessings, Guard Happiness," saw the goddess's effigy placed atop the iconic amusement park ride.

Ascend High for Blessings, Guard Happiness

โ€” Event ThemeThe central theme of the Mazu blessing ceremony.

The "Divine Sky Wheel Blessing" ceremony, held from 10 AM to 11 AM, aimed to invoke peace and well-being for the city's residents. The Ferris wheel was transformed into a "Divine Sky Wheel," symbolizing blessings and good fortune as it offered a panoramic view. This initiative builds on the positive reception from last year when Mazu visited the park, drawing a large and enthusiastic response from the public.

Following the ceremony, Mazu's sedan chair paraded through the park, allowing visitors to participate in the traditional "drilling under the sedan chair" ritual for blessings. The event also coincided with the Shilin District Office and Shilin District Farmers' Association's "Fun Farming Festival," featuring cultural performances, local product sales, and interactive activities for families. To encourage participation, the park offered free admission to all visitors before noon.

Last year, when Bai-tou Mazu visited Taipei Children's Amusement Park and circled the park bestowing blessings, it received a warm response from citizens and tourists.

โ€” Taipei Metro Recreation CompanyRecalling the success of the previous year's event.

The park aims to establish this folk cultural event as a signature annual tradition. The "Fun Farming Festival" ran from 10 AM to 4:15 PM, complementing the religious and cultural activities. The collaboration highlights a creative approach to integrating traditional beliefs with community engagement and local festivities.

This year, using the most representative Ferris wheel to create the 'Divine Sky Wheel Blessing,' Mazu ascends high to pray for citizens, imbuing the Ferris wheel with cultural meanings of happiness, joy, and reunion, gradually building the park's representative annual folk cultural brand activity.

โ€” Taipei Metro Recreation CompanyExplaining the significance of the Ferris wheel in the ceremony.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.