Thousands of people from Taiwanese palaces and temples went to Putian and Meizhou Island to pay homage to their ancestors and offer incense to deepen cross-Strait Mazu cultural exchanges

On October 24, 2024, the island of Meizhou in Putian, Fujian Province, played host to a significant religious event—the 2024 Taiwan Temples Pilgrimage and Lin Clan Tribute to Mazu ceremony. This gathering, honoring the revered goddess Mazu, saw participation from over a thousand Mazu devotees.

As we explored the event, we spoke with Lin Jinbang, the honorary chairman of the Meizhou Mazu Temple Board, who, alongside other notable figures such as Lin Zhongnan, the permanent honorary chairman of the World Lin Clan Association, and Lin Cangmin, the vice chairman of the association, led the ceremony.

At precisely 9:38 AM, the ceremony commenced with a grand procession involving an honor guard, musicians, and dancers. The atmosphere was solemn as the main officiants, accompanied by others, performed the traditional rites, including three offerings and the customary kneeling and bowing before Mazu.

“This year’s pilgrimage is particularly special,” Lin Cangmin shared with us. “Last November, many Mazu devotees expressed a strong desire for more opportunities to visit Meizhou and pay tribute at the Mazu temple. This inspiration led to our current gathering.”

Lin Cangmin emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the Lin clan and their ancestor worship, highlighting that for them, venerating Mazu is akin to honoring their ancestors. The participants, some of whom were elderly, traveled from afar with great devotion, hoping to return to the “hometown of Mazu” within their lifetimes. For many, it was the first time experiencing the rich tapestry of Mazu culture on Meizhou Island.

Globally, Mazu worship has matured into a significant faith, with thousands of temples across over fifty countries, home to more than 300 million adherents. In Taiwan alone, there are more than 3,000 Mazu temples, with devotees making up two-thirds of the island’s population.

Lin Cangmin hopes this event will strengthen connections between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, promoting closer ties and fostering mutual understanding. He believes that together, they can carry forward the traditions of Mazu worship and celebrate the rich heritage of Chinese culture.