Shanbian Mazu joins Baishatun Mazu on the Beigang pilgrimage each year. These sister gods are said to have opposite personalities.
The palanquin of Baishatun Mazu isn’t the only one riding the hot pink sedan car for the annual pilgrimage. Her sister, Shanbian Mazu, who is normally enshrined in a temple in Miaoli’s Houlong Township, has joined her.
In a tradition that has lasted over 100 years, Shanbian Mazu, or Mazu of the Mountain Side, meets up with Baishatun Mazu at Gongtian Temple to set off on the pilgrimage together.
Each year, temple authorities ask Shanbian Mazu what color clothes she’d like to wear for the new year and for her trip to Beigang. This year, she chose light pink, with two flower adornments on each shoulder.
Baishatun Mazu, on the other hand, is more of an introvert. Her sedan chair gently sways side to side when moving, while the extroverted Shanbian Mazu’s chair moves back and forth with a sense of urgency, as if she’s eager to proceed.
The different personalities of these two sisters help worshipers better connect with the deities. Both Mazu statues also have a chibi character representation, because in Taiwan, cuteness is next to godliness.