Mazu, originally named Lin Moniang, was a young woman from southeastern China's Meizhou Island in the 10th century. She dedicated her life to helping her fellow townspeople and ultimately sacrificed herself while attempting to rescue survivors from a shipwreck.
Over the centuries, Mazu has become the most revered sea goddess in the Chinese mainland, serving as a central figure in the country’s maritime culture. She symbolizes the enduring cultural ties that connect people across the Taiwan Strait.
Every year, on the eighth day of the first month according to the lunar calendar, a golden effigy of Mazu is carried in a grand procession around Meizhou. This event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, including many from Taiwan, celebrating the shared heritage and cultural bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
