The Power of Tradition: Matsu Pilgrimage (II)

The Crowd Walking on the Remains of Firecrackers

Free Food?!

Imagine this: an 8 day pilgrimage that takes you over a distance of 300 kilometers across numerous municipalities and all you have to do on the way is walk – all food and drink are provided by devout followers along the way.

The Power of Religion: Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage of Central Taiwan (I)

Placing one's belief at a obvious place

How powerful is religion?

For the disciples of history, religion is a moving force that has created significant impacts upon the human race, and continues to do so even today. The power of beliefs can influence individuals in ways that could not be explained by simple rationality.

Sakura Trees in Wu Lin Farm

Cherry blossoms in full bloom

When most people hear the key words “spring” and “Japan”, the image of cherry blossoms often comes to mind. Most visitors to Japan during this period are often mesmerized by the beautiful sights of sakura trees in full bloom, raining pink- and white-colored flower petals in response to a strong breeze.

Fire, Water, and Lantern Festival

 

Young men carrying the sedan of a local diety as they run across the charcoal

When talking about the Lantern Festival, there’s an old saying in Taiwan that goes “Sky Lantern of the North, Bee Rockets of the South.” In fact, these two are Taiwan’s two unique lantern festival celebrations.

Turkey and Macy’s Parade

Gigantic Snoopy balloons with two others carrying the Macy's logo

What do you do when you’ve noticed that almost none of the local shops in New York are open for business on Thanksgivings? I guess this was one of those things that I failed to consider, given the fact that it’s been several years since my last full-fledge turkey dinner. That’s one of the sins expats have to risk, I guess.