Print

Mail

wiki links

Matsu devotees throng pilgrimage

Small conflicts broke out between police officers and worshippers yesterday as crowds of people approached the sedan chair of the goddess Matsu during the annual Tachia Matsu pilgrimage (大甲媽祖遶境).

Local religious lore says that touching Matsu’s sedan chair or even stealing it will bring people good luck, hence many Matsu devotees attempted to approach the sedan chair as the annual Tachia Matsu pilgrimage concluded last night as the goddess was returned to Tachia’s Chenlan Temple (鎮瀾宮).

Matsu believers also stole ghost money from around the goddess for good luck.

Dozens of police officers stood guard at the final day of the pilgrimage yesterday to prevent the goddess from being stolen, but as Matsu’s sedan chair passed through Changhwa City in the afternoon, hundreds of devotees scuffled with police as they approached the deity’s sedan chair.

A TV news clip broadcast by FTV yesterday showed hundreds of people crowding around the goddess’ sedan chair and being pushed away by police officers as they got too close.

Later as Matsu’s sedan chair passed through Tatu (大肚) Township, Taichung County, dozens of men wearing black clothes attempted to steal the sedan chair, but they were urged not to do so by police.

The final night of the pilgrimage sounded like a war zone as a barrage of firecrackers went on for hours.

Rockets exploded and chaos reigned as marchers dressed in traditional soldiers’ costumes and carrying banners followed the sedan chair.

The eight-day Tachia Matsu pilgrimage began on April 6 in Tachia.
This story has been viewed 873 times.