A few cultural things in Taiwan

The legendary figures such as Guanyin, Matsu, Shennong, and many others represent more than just goddesses; they are also symbols of compassion, resilience, protection, and perseverance for people.

Taiwan has a beautiful long ocean strait coast. So it has a few great sea harbors and a sustainable ocean-based dynamic ecosystem. I visited a few educational museums and sea galleries to understand deeper about local industry and culture.

Taiwan “Buluozu” - the minority tribe culture: From north to south and west to east, there are many minority villages hidden inside the coastal side, mountain top or valley deep. Each one of them has its heroines or goodness to worship. I took the long-distance bus and visited a few villages, listening to folk music, observing local cultures, and enjoying the fantastic natural environment.

Matsu culture:  When the train passed through the town “daJia”; I saw tens of thousands of people line up to worship the local female goodness Matsu on the weekend, as the global strangers told me she helped all kinds of people and deserved their respect. Matsu means Mother Ancestor, she was also called “Tianhou”-the Queen of Heaven or “Lin Monian” - Silent Lady. Some stories claim she didn't cry as a baby, earning her the nickname "Silent Girl." - Lin Mo Niang.

In Taiwan, there are thousands of temples and parks dedicated to Matsu in different cities. These temples range from grand historical structures to smaller neighborhood shrines. Some notable examples include the Tianhou Temple in Taipei and Lin Moniang Park in Tainan. Her worship is a way for people to connect with their history and heritage. 

Legends say Matsu possessed unique abilities, such as forecasting weather, curing illnesses, and even traversing the seas in spiritual journeys. She used these gifts to help her people and offer guidance during storms. Taiwan holds vibrant Matsu festivals throughout the year, often featuring parades with elaborately decorated palanquins carrying her statues. Her image represents Taiwan's maritime heritage and its enduring spirit. In fact, Matsu helps to bind communities together, create a shared sense of identity, and shape a unique Matsu culture.

Today, Matsu is a major deity in Chinese folk religion, Taoism, and Buddhism. She's especially revered in Taiwan, and her legacy continues to inspire, with festivals and pilgrimages held in her honor, celebrating her compassion and role as the protector of the sea.

Shennong - the “Great Emperor of Medicine”: There is a temple to memorize Shennong and his legend. To better understand Chinese medicine, he tasted hundreds of herbs by himself and taught people knowledge about them.

The legendary figures such as Guanyin, Matsu, Shennong, and many others represent more than just goddesses; they are also symbols of compassion, resilience, protection, and perseverance for people. Their influence extends beyond religious practice. They are cultural icons frequently appearing in art, literature, and even popular media.

Posted in: culture Master