Some things truly require a nudge from others to venture into, even if there's an interest, taking action might not come naturally. In fact, there might not even be a thought of experiencing it. However, when someone invites or somewhat passively compels you to participate, things take on a different dimension. The outcome may be uncertain, but at least you've had the experience.
The annual Baishatun Mazu Procession at White Sand Village is a grand religious and folk event. People from all over Taiwan come to participate in this celebration. Interestingly, despite being from Miaoli, our hometown, I only discovered this event in the past couple of years. This is because I have always had respect for religious activities but haven't been actively involved. Besides, I'm not particularly comfortable in large crowds, so I never considered attending in person, though I've watched many videos of it.
The 2023 Baishatun Mazu Procession was somewhat special because my mother's friend was part of it. Although I didn't complete the entire journey with them, I did join for several days of the procession. I truly admired it there, as walking for days with determination in the scorching sun is an arduous task, requiring significant mental strength to endure. Coincidentally, on the final day when Mazu was returning to the temple, we had some free time, so we accompanied my mother to White Sand Village to meet her friend. The scene there was truly crowded, and we had to park several kilometers away. It took about an hour just to walk from the parking spot to White Sand Village, and we had to walk another hour after the event. To be honest, I had no idea how we were going to drive back to Taipei that day; my legs were like jelly!
On the way, there are many places offering free supplies, and some of the devout pilgrims, who walk faster, might overtake Mazu and go directly to the Gongtian Temple. Otherwise, they are like us, not actively participating in the procession but coming to witness it. Many people are inclined to walk in the direction of Gongtian Temple, and inside, it's really packed with people. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming for an individual. At this point, it's still about 3-4 hours before Mazu returns! If you ask different people, you'll get different answers, haha! The most accurate way is to check Mazu's GPS location.
At this point, even though Mazu hasn't returned yet, many people still come in to have a look. My mother's friend had already secured a spot inside the temple, precisely to await Mazu's return there. Before entering the temple, they would close the doors, and no one could go in or out. So, many people, in order to await Mazu's return and enter the temple, find a place inside. Many people wait for 4-5 hours, and the seating and standing positions are carefully arranged, or else they might get pushed out.
Even though it's quite crowded inside, there's a sense of order, and everyone generally follows the rules. This, too, can be attributed to Mazu's influence! People tend to avoid engaging in any inappropriate behavior in such a sacred place. There's only one perspective from which you can see Mazu's return to the temple; in other areas, you can only hear the sounds, but it's still an experiential moment. Originally, there's no absolute need to witness it, and there are some safety concerns. Especially during the intense moment when Mazu returns and the temple doors open, it can be quite chaotic as everyone rushes forward to pay their respects. That can be truly breathless! So, it's important to remain cautious about safety and one's physical condition.
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