A majestic statue overlooks the sea from Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, southeastern China. This grand figure is none other than Mazu, the revered sea goddess worshipped by millions. But what many visitors may not know is that this statue is part of a pair. Across the Taiwan Strait, on the island of Taiwan, an identical statue stands atop the Mazu Culture Tower at Chaotian Temple in Beigang.
The story of these twin statues is a tale of shared heritage and cultural connection. Mazu, known as the guardian of sailors and fishermen, has been a symbol of hope and protection for over a thousand years. The existence of these two statues, gazing toward each other across the strait, symbolizes the enduring bonds between people on both sides.
The twin statues were deliberately positioned to face each other, a gesture of friendship and unity. They stand as silent witnesses to the shared traditions and beliefs that transcend geographical boundaries.
The journey of Mazu and the story behind these statues is explored in the documentary “The Journey of the Goddess.” The film delves into how these statues came to be and what they represent for the people who revere Mazu.
