Penghu Tien-Ho Temple

Matsu floating procession

　 Date  : 20th ~ 21st day of the third lunar month
　 Place: Tien-Ho Temple, Makung, Penghu County

      The Tien-Ho Temple in Penghu is Taiwan's longest-standing Matsu Temple. During the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century, immigrants from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou on China mainland built the "Temple of the Mother" in Penghu to worship Matsu. In 1684, the Chinese army of General Shi-Lang disembarked on the shores of Penghu, praying in front of the Temple and changing its name to "Matsu Temple." In 1685, the imperial government of the Qing Dynasty designated Matsu "Tien-Ho" (Queen of Heaven) in the belief that Matsu had protected its army in battle. Thus, "Matsu Temple" became known as "Tien-Ho Temple."

      Penghu is an archipelago and, accordingly, the annual Matsu procession in Penghu is a special event that takes place on the sea. The great procession of boats calls on the ports of every village on every island of Penghu, creating an extraordinary spectacle. When the procession of pilgrim boats arrive at each port, the residents of the island welcome Matsu's arrival with a guiding vessel, and setting flowers and fruits, praying with incense sticks on the shores. The pilgrims on the boats set off firecrackers to greet each other; the worshipers accompany it with the lively music of drums and gongs. After stopping over for the ceremony at each port, the Matsu sedan boat and the floating procession head to the next island.

      The tour will call on a total of 46 ports before the boats take the icon of Matsu back to the "Tien-Ho Temple." Upon arrival at Makung port, the touring boats are welcomed with tons of firecrackers and the exhilarating beating of drums and gongs. Fireworks bursting in the sky bring a culmination to the floating procession. For the residents of Penghu, this spectacular religious ceremony is not only a means to express their faith in Matsu, but also an opportunity to bring their hearts together.