Hanxi Mazu Pilgrimage Through Eighteen Villages: Lu Shiow-yen, Liu Shih-fang Pray for Favorable Weather
The Hanxi Mazu "Pilgrimage Through Eighteen Villages" event of Taichung Lecheng Temple commenced today, with Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen in attendance. Liu stated that Mazu's blessings have made Taichung a brilliant city, while Lu thanked Mazu for bringing rain to the Deji Reservoir. This 22-day pilgrimage is a designated intangible cultural asset of Taichung City, and devotees deeply believe in Mazu's protection. The event will conclude on May 8th when Mazu returns to the temple.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 11:47
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 12:01 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 17:13 (5h 11m after Collected)
TAICHUNG (CNA) – The Hanxi Mazu "Pilgrimage Through Eighteen Villages" event of Taichung Lecheng Temple commenced this morning. Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen were among those present. Liu Shih-fang said that Mazu's blessings have made Taichung a brilliant city. Lu Shiow-yen thanked Mazu for bringing rain to the Deji Reservoir.
The Taichung Lecheng Temple's Hanxi Mazu Pilgrimage Through Eighteen Villages event began today (the first day of the third lunar month) and will last for 22 days. After a worship ceremony at Lecheng Temple this morning, the pilgrimage set off and is expected to conclude on May 8 (the 22nd day of the third lunar month) when Mazu returns to the temple, marking the end of the event after staff members pass under the sedan chair.
Due to the devout faith of the devotees in Hanxi Mazu during the Dazun Eighteen Villages pilgrimage, a proverb circulates: "Hanxi Mazu protects outer villages." Regardless of whether they are from the local village or an outer village, as long as they are devout, they can receive Mazu's protection. The event has also been designated as an intangible cultural asset of Taichung City.
Lu Shiow-yen, Liu Shih-fang, and Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen performed the Five Offerings ceremony this morning, respectfully inviting Mazu to move and be seated in the sedan chair. Lu Shiow-yen and Liu Shih-fang also helped carry the sedan chair, praying to Mazu for national peace and favorable weather.
Liu Shih-fang stated in her speech that she represented the Ministry of the Interior to visit Lecheng Temple today. Taichung City enjoys clear skies, and she hopes every year will be like today, wishing Taiwan favorable weather and national peace. She added that Taichung City has become an international metropolis and a brilliant big city under Mazu's blessings, and she wished all participants peace and happiness, no matter what they encounter.
Lu Shiow-yen said that this year's Lecheng Temple Mazu pilgrimage is the longest in Taiwan, lasting 22 days and passing through 18 villages and 11 administrative districts. She wished the pilgrimage a smooth and safe journey. Hanxi Mazu is also known as "Rainwater Mazu." She was worried because the Deji Reservoir's water storage was insufficient; however, Mazu was very effective in blessing Taiwan, bringing the reservoir's water storage to over 70%. She urged everyone to conserve water, ensuring no water problems in the summer. (Edited by Huang Ming-hsi) 1150417
The Taichung Lecheng Temple's Hanxi Mazu Pilgrimage Through Eighteen Villages event began today (the first day of the third lunar month) and will last for 22 days. After a worship ceremony at Lecheng Temple this morning, the pilgrimage set off and is expected to conclude on May 8 (the 22nd day of the third lunar month) when Mazu returns to the temple, marking the end of the event after staff members pass under the sedan chair.
Due to the devout faith of the devotees in Hanxi Mazu during the Dazun Eighteen Villages pilgrimage, a proverb circulates: "Hanxi Mazu protects outer villages." Regardless of whether they are from the local village or an outer village, as long as they are devout, they can receive Mazu's protection. The event has also been designated as an intangible cultural asset of Taichung City.
Lu Shiow-yen, Liu Shih-fang, and Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen performed the Five Offerings ceremony this morning, respectfully inviting Mazu to move and be seated in the sedan chair. Lu Shiow-yen and Liu Shih-fang also helped carry the sedan chair, praying to Mazu for national peace and favorable weather.
Liu Shih-fang stated in her speech that she represented the Ministry of the Interior to visit Lecheng Temple today. Taichung City enjoys clear skies, and she hopes every year will be like today, wishing Taiwan favorable weather and national peace. She added that Taichung City has become an international metropolis and a brilliant big city under Mazu's blessings, and she wished all participants peace and happiness, no matter what they encounter.
Lu Shiow-yen said that this year's Lecheng Temple Mazu pilgrimage is the longest in Taiwan, lasting 22 days and passing through 18 villages and 11 administrative districts. She wished the pilgrimage a smooth and safe journey. Hanxi Mazu is also known as "Rainwater Mazu." She was worried because the Deji Reservoir's water storage was insufficient; however, Mazu was very effective in blessing Taiwan, bringing the reservoir's water storage to over 70%. She urged everyone to conserve water, ensuring no water problems in the summer. (Edited by Huang Ming-hsi) 1150417