[Picture Caption]
(Above) Taking to sea--but not to fish today. The heavenly boat serves the gods by taking them to harbors and out to sea, and requests safety and a good harvest for fishermen.
(Left) On the first dawn of the procession a young monk mobilizes the heavenly steeds and warriors of the five directions and makes offerings to expel evil and appeal for everything to go smoothly.
(Above) Back aboard ship: although the unique sea procession is a new invention, it brings together Penghu's many islands and takes the sea as its natural and human backdrop. (photo by Cheng Yuang-ching)
(Right) When the sea procession is over, a land procession follows to welcome Matsu ashore. (photo by Cheng Yuan-ching)
With the procession's activities merging human and divine emotions, Tien Hou Temple's position as a place of worship has been revived.
(Left) On the first dawn of the procession a young monk mobilizes the heavenly steeds and warriors of the five directions and makes offerings to expel evil and appeal for everything to go smoothly.
(Above) Back aboard ship: although the unique sea procession is a new invention, it brings together Penghu's many islands and takes the sea as its natural and human backdrop. (photo by Cheng Yuang-ching)
With the procession's activities merging human and divine emotions, Tien Hou Temple's position as a place of worship has been revived.
(Right) When the sea procession is over, a land procession follows to welcome Matsu ashore. (photo by Cheng Yuan-ching)