Devotion to Mazu stretches from Fujian to Taiwan
Shared culture sees followers of Song Dynasty sea goddess remain faithful across the waves
Historical records indicate that during the Qing Dynasty, ancestors from Quanzhou in Fujian brought the Nezha deity to Taiwan's Chiayi, establishing the first Nezha temple in Taiwan, the Xinying Taizi Temple. Over the years, this tradition has flourished, and today there are over 370 Nezha temples across the entire island of Taiwan.
Hsiao said that, like Nezha, Mazu could be a subject for the silver screen.
"Taiwan has over 10 million Mazu worshippers, surpassing half of the total population. Also, there have been numerous exchanges related to Mazu between Taiwan and the mainland," said Hsiao, who expressed his hope that professionals in Taiwan's film and television industry could strengthen collaborations and exchanges with the mainland.
"With the mainland's growing influence, Chinese culture has not only spread across the Taiwan Strait but also globally," Hsiao noted. He said he is pleased to see Chinese cultural products like films and games, such as Empresses in the Palace and Black Myth: Wukong reaching international audiences.
With a rich and enduring history, Chinese civilization, spanning five millennia, remains uniquely comprehensible to contemporary audiences. The global appeal of Chinese culture naturally captivates people from diverse backgrounds. Hsiao advocates for Taiwan's entertainment industry to actively engage in this cultural exchange by creating internationally acclaimed works inspired by Chinese traditions and folklore.
"It is a very positive phenomenon because I believe that Chinese culture has a long and rich history, so it's natural our foreign friends would be moved and come to appreciate it," he said.
Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
