Zhushan Lianxing Temple Introduction
According to legend, Mazu came to Taiwan from Meizhou, Fujian, during the Qing Dynasty. The journey across the Black Water Ditch was perilous and tumultuous, famously described by the saying, "Ten crossings, three returns, and one loss." How could the Mazu statue safely reach Taiwan amidst the fierce winds and waves of the Black Water Ditch? Early settlers carved the statue into several sections, which were brought to Taiwan and reassembled, creating joints that resemble a figure with mobility, rather than a single carved statue as seen today. Mazu worship has a significant commonality in Taiwan, becoming a shared object of faith, reflecting local uniqueness. The "Red and White Flower Incident," "Jin Snake Warning," and "Reconciliation Wine" in Zhushan are legendary historical stories of local resistance against the Japanese. The temple preserves two ancient monument stones, the "Prohibition of Extortion of Bamboo Rafts Inscription," and the "Broken Horse Inscription," which has a history of connection and is related to disputes over incense money in 1900. Additionally, on Yunlin Road above the Mazu Temple, the last remaining cobbler in Zhushan still practices traditional methods, restoring good leather shoes. The cultural space in front of the temple serves as a source for local folklore and various everyday matters. (Why do the Japanese favor white, while Taiwanese see red as auspicious? In the Red and White Flower Massacre, why did the Japanese wear red flowers, while the Taiwanese wore white?)
