The sea goddess Mazu is deeply revered in Taiwan. Each year, statues of the goddess are carried at the head of grand pilgrimages that can stretch on for days and may attract tens of thousands of worshipers.
After a delay due to COVID-19, the most famous pilgrimage of all, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, is now underway. Participants know ahead of time that they’re in for a grueling, multi-day trek. But the delay to this year’s event has brought an added challenge- wilting summer heat.
In any other year, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage would have been over with by now. The nine-day, eight-night religious event usually takes place in the cooler spring months. But COVID-19 means that this annual show of devotion to the sea goddess Mazu is only just underway.
As the procession snakes through central and southern Taiwan, blisters and fatigue are normal. 33C temperatures, not so much. But as worshippers reached Xiluo in Yunlin County, they found themselves having to contend with all three. One father making the journey with his young child attached multiple fans to his child’s stroller, hoping to ward off heatstroke.
But at least these pilgrims have a fixed and easily walkable path. Another pilgrimage that’s been delayed, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, is set to start in the even hotter month of July. And this pilgrimage, it’s said, is divinely guided, meaning that pilgrims don’t know what kind of rough terrain they’ll be led over under the hot sun. This year, especially, the procession will be a test of devotion.
The sea goddess Mazu is deeply revered in Taiwan. Each year, statues of the goddess are carried at the head of grand pilgrimages that can stretch on for days and may attract tens of thousands of worshippers.
After a delay due to COVID-19, the most famous pilgrimage of all, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage is now underway. Participants know ahead of time that they’re in for a grueling, multi-day trek. But the delay to this year’s even has brought an added challenge- wilting summer heat.
In any other year, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage would have been over with by now. The nine-day, eight-night religious event usually takes place in the cooler spring months. But COVID-19 means that this annual show of devotion to the sea goddess Mazu is only just underway.
As the procession snakes through central and southern Taiwan, blisters and fatigue are normal. 33C temperatures, not so much. But as worshippers reached Xiluo in Yunlin County, they found themselves having to contend with all three. One father making the journey with his young child attached multiple fans to his child’s stroller, hoping to ward off heatstroke.
But at least these pilgrims have a fixed and easily walkable path. Another pilgrimage that’s been delayed, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, is set to start in the even hotter month of July. And this pilgrimage, it’s said, is divinely guided, meaning that pilgrims don’t know what kind of rough terrain they’ll be led over under the hot sun. This year, especially, the procession will be a test of devotion.