Taiwan and mainland united by goddess Mazu, common ancestral roots

At the end of October, about 50 Taiwan descendants of Fujian visited several cities in the province, including Zhangzhou, Quanzhou and Putian, to trace their roots and pay tribute to their ancestors.

"Many Taiwan compatriots come back every year to honor their ancestors at the Jian family's ancestral hall in Zhangzhou," said Wang Yue'e, a 43-year-old resident in Zhangzhou.

When the visitors arrived, Wang greeted them in Hokkien — the dialect of southern Fujian and a major language in Taiwan. "Speaking Hokkien makes us feel very close," she said.

The group also visited Meizhou Island in Putian, regarded as the birthplace of the sea goddess Mazu during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). On Sunday, a grand ceremony was held on the island to honor the goddess, drawing worshippers from around the world, including many compatriots from Taiwan.

According to Tsai Hsiang-huei, director of the Taiwan Mazu culture research association, the belief in Mazu has been passed down in Taiwan for more than 300 years.

"In the past, people from Fujian and Guangdong provinces traveled to Taiwan by boat and prayed for Mazu's protection to ensure a safe voyage," Tsai said. "Over time, the goddess became deeply revered, and today, the majority of people in Taiwan hold great respect for Mazu," he added.

Zhu Zhang-zhen, head of the new immigrant labor rights association in Taiwan and a Mazu follower from Taipei, said she was excited to take part in the grand event and experience Chinese culture firsthand.

"We are all Chinese descendants," Zhu said, adding that "Mazu blesses the peaceful development and exchanges across the Strait."

Chen Jyh-sheng from Taichung has attended the Mazu cultural events in Meizhou every year since 2003. He has long been dedicated to promoting Mazu culture between Taiwan and Fujian and helped initiate the Mazu cultural festival in Meizhou.

"Mazu is a shared cultural and emotional bond between people on both sides of the Strait and serves as a bridge for cross-Strait exchanges and peace," Chen said.