Changhua Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages Mazu Pilgrimage Begins, Welcoming Mazu from Lukang Tianhou Temple

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Che-Hao, Changhua, 2nd) The Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages Mazu Pilgrimage, registered as an intangible cultural heritage of Changhua County, began today. County Magistrate Wang Hui-Mei and representatives from the Tong-An-Liao villages went to Lukang Tianhou Temple and Xinzhu Temple to respectfully welcome the sacred palanquins of Jinxiang Mazu and Tong-An Mazu, kicking off the procession.

Wang Hui-Mei, Tong-An-Liao Grand Chief Commander Chen You-Ming, and representatives from the Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages attended the 2-day, 1-night Mazu Pilgrimage at Lukang Tianhou Temple and Xinzhu Temple this morning.

Wang Hui-Mei stated in her speech that the county government registered the Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages Mazu Pilgrimage, which has continued for nearly 200 years, as an intangible cultural heritage of Changhua County in 2014. The event originated from ancestors in the Qing Dynasty who fought over water during a severe drought and, upon the suggestion of tribal elders, went to Lukang Tianhou Temple to pray for rain to Mazu. The event is hosted in rotation by 15 village temples, and this year, Puyan Township's Lucuo Village Pu'an Temple will take over as the rotating Grand Public Hall.

Wang Hui-Mei pointed out that this religious activity not only fosters camaraderie among villagers but also demonstrates a spirit of unity. She expressed hope that with Mazu's blessings, all villagers will be safe and prosperous.

According to the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages are located in what is now Fuxing Township and Puyan Township in Changhua. The Tong-An-Liao Twelve Villages Mazu Pilgrimage features a rare hereditary Grand Chief Commander system in Taiwan. In the past, the 'first come, first served' method of posting incense strips determined where Mazu would stay overnight. Later, to ensure fairness and comprehensiveness, it evolved into the current system of drawing lots for rotation, with 15 village temples taking turns to host. (Edited by Chen Ren-Hua) 1150502

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