Irrigation agencies appeal to Matsu for rain in TaichungStaff writer, with CNALocal irrigation agencies plan to turn to sea goddess Matsu (媽祖) for help resolving a drought, in a collaboration with one of Taiwan’s largest Matsu temples, Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung’s Dajia District (大甲), the Council of Agriculture’s Irrigation Agency said yesterday. The temple is to hold a ceremony with the agencies today, and Matsu would hopefully hear people’s prayers for rain, as many believe that she has the ability to send rain after long droughts, the temple said. The ceremony would only be the fourth rain prayer ceremony held at the temple since its founding in 1730, it said. About one hour after the 1963 ceremony, rain started to fall, and it is hopeful that Matsu would also help reserve this year’s drought, it said. The belief in Matsu as benevolent protector of all people was brought to Taiwan by Ming Dynasty settlers.

Source: Taipei Times March 06, 2021 15:56 UTC