Crazy March- First Experience of Mazu Pilgrimage

TFRD brought 65 patients and their families to join a one-day experience of Mazu Pilgrimage on April 12. The owner of Dajia Zhen Lan Temple introduced us the leader of the parade (Zhentou), which includes the Crier (baòmǎzaǐ), the Head Banner, the Head Lantern, the Mazu Flag banners, the Leading Drummer, the Bicycle Brigade, the Embroidered Flag Brigade, five regiments, 36 Honor Guards, the Suona Brigade, parasol, the Decree Flag and the Mazu Palanquin.

At the same time, there was a prize game. A patient of Williams syndrome, Ann, answered “the clothing of Eyes (Clairvoyant) that see a thousand miles is green," and she was happy upon receiving a Wenchang Pen as a reward. The group of rare disease patients walked along in the parade with the leading of Dajia Zhen Lan Temple E Generation Youth Group. The first stop was Wu’s Chaoxing Temple. As the parade arrived gradually, the scene was very lively with the company of music, drums, and firecrackers sound. After lunch, we kept going forward. When we saw Mazu’s parasol, which meant that the Mazu Palanquin was right in front of us, everyone crawled underneath the Mazu Palanquin to receive Mazu’s blessing and kept company with Mazu. Many people along the route also cheered for our group.

Mazu is one of the most common religious beliefs in Taiwan, and Mazu Pilgrimage activity is one of the top three religious activities in the world. Every year, the parade takes place at Fengtian Temple in Xingang, Chiayi County and gives blessing to the followers. They also pray for that the state is prosperous and the people are peaceful.

This was the first time for TFRD to invite the patients to join Mazu Pilgrimage. Patients of rare disease and their families around Taiwan were invited. They felt very excited and were all looking forward to it. Thanks to the hearty support of the Dajia Zhen Lan Temple and the Dajia Zhen Lan Temple E Generation Youth Group, rare disease families could accompany Mazu safely. This trip was also a good experience to increase self-persistence. Mazu’s love and kindness not only touched people’s heart, but also gave blessings to rare disease families to face all the challenges in life more bravely.

Join our first experience of Mazu pilgrimage activity at https://youtu.be/DTBY1Adaj_8

Translator: Newny Chiang (MS), Reviewer: Albert Kuo