Mutual respect in worship of Mazu

A common belief in the goddess of Mazu is bringing people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits together, said a top official in charge of Taiwan affairs.

Zhang Zhijun, chief of the Taiwan Affairs Office at the State Council, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of Mazu Cultural Week on June 12 in Meizhou, an island in Putian city, Fujian province.

Putian is the hometown of Lin Moniang, a woman in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) known for her benevolence in helping others, especially fishermen. Lin was later deified as Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea.