國立教育廣播電臺

Hope:

How are you doing today, Joey?

Joey:

So far so good. How about you, Hope?

Hope:

Pretty good. Say, Joey, have you ever thought about joining the Mazu Pilgrimage?

Joey:

Join what?

Hope:

The Mazu Pilgrimage.

Joey:

The Mazu Pilgrimage? 是媽祖遶境嗎?

Hope:

Yes.

Joey:

What does pilgrimage mean? Does it mean 遶境?

Hope:

Kind of. Pilgrimage is a special journey that is made by a pilgrim, people who make a difficult journey for some religious reasons.

Joey:

I see. Pilgrimage 意思是朝聖之旅。

Hope:

So are you interested in going on the Mazu Pilgrimage?

Joey:

It sounds like a good idea. But I don’t know much about it. I only know that it is considered an important event in Taiwan.

Hope:

Me, either. What I know probably is the same as you.

Joey:

I have seen a video of the event. You know it is 人山人海.

香客們are walking together along big streets and small roads. It looks super exhausting.

Hope:

Yes, those people are worshippers. The full Pilgrimage lasts nine days and eight nights.

Joey:

Wow. Do they walk for the full Pilgrimage?

Hope:

Well, some. Some devoted followers walk the entire route. And some may join for a day or a couple of days.

Joey:

I see. So, if we go, we can just join for a day or two. I remembered some of my friends just followed for a few hours to 享受氛圍.

Hope:

Yes, they go there to soak in the vibes.

Joey:

That’s right. They go there to soak in the vibes.  I think a couple of hours is my limit. I don’t think I can 撐過完整九天。

Hope:

Me either. I don’t think I can make it to survive nine days of walking.

Joey:

By the way, I know there are a lot to see and they could be really fun.

Hope:

Oh?

Joey:

There are 舞龍舞獅 and there are 電音三太子.

Hope:

You are right. You will see dragon dance and lion dance as well as the famous Taiwanese group,

the electronic Santaizi (the Third Prince) dancing to techno music! It’s full of exciting scene.

Joey:

Yes…there are also many 陣頭表演傳統武術.

Hope:

Right. You can see many Zhentou, the performance troupes, showcasing traditional martial arts.

Joey:

How exciting! And I know many temples along the way would provide free vegetarian meals for everyone who participates in the activity.

Hope:

It’s all about unity and devotion.

Joey:

Yes. Some hotels , temples and even locals would open their spaces to 朝聖者 to rest.

Hope:

Right. This way, the pilgrims get places to rest. People’s hospitality is incredible.

Joey:

Hospitality means 好客，right?

Hope:

Yes. It is the nature of welcoming people.

Joey:

Hmm…好哦! 有點瘋狂但有讓我心動哦!

Hope:

So, you are convinced?

Joey:

Yes, I am convinced.

Hope:

Great. Let’s pick a day and join the walk!

Joey:

Let me check the official route online and decide where to join.

Hope:

Excellent. Let’s put on our most comfortable shoes and bring our water bottles.

Joey:

Oh. I can’t wait to see Mazu’s 神轎了呢!

Hope:

Same here. I can’t wait to see Mazu’s sedan chair shaking and feel the energy of the crowd.