In a din of firecrackers, cymbals and horns, a team of devotees carried the shrouded wooden statue of a serene-faced woman, holding her aloft on a brightly decorated litter as they navigated through tens of thousands of onlookers.

As the carriers nudged forward, hundreds of people were lined up ahead of them, kneeling on the road and waiting for the moment when the statue would pass over their heads.

Some wept after it did; many smiled and snapped selfies. “I love Mazu, and Mazu loves me,” the crowd shouted.

Text By Chris Buckley and Amy Chang Chien

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Goddess of the Sea

A large crowd of people gathered on a street at night during a festival. The street is decorated with red and yellow lanterns with Chinese characters, and statues of dragons and traditional Chinese architecture are visible.
A group of people gathered inside a temple with red pillars and intricate black and gold decorations. A man in a black shirt holding a religious statue stands at the center of the scene, surrounded by others, some taking photos.
A crowd of people watching an explosion or fire on a city street at night, with orange flames and smoke billowing into the air.
Crowd of people watching fireworks display at night, many holding up phones to take pictures or videos, with vibrant blue and white fireworks in the sky.
People wearing face masks inside a temple, gathered around an incense burner, lighting incense sticks during a religious or cultural event.
A group of people wearing masks gathered inside a small room for a religious or cultural ceremony with offering food, fruits, and incense.
A woman is standing on the roof of a car at night, holding a yellow stick, while a man leaning out of the driver's side window is smiling and holding his chin. Other people are in the background near parked cars and motorcycles.
Nighttime street scene during a colorful festival with people dancing and playing drums, illuminated decorations, and lanterns.
A group of people participating in a street festival or parade under a bridge, carrying a decorated float with a shrine on top, wearing casual and festival clothing, some with masks and hats.
People kneeling in prayer on a street, each with boxes labeled 'Yes Water' in front of them, surrounded by onlookers and oncoming traffic during daytime.
Crowd gathered at night with fireworks or sparklers overhead, celebrating a festival or parade, some people wearing masks and colorful clothing.
A large crowd gathered outside at night for a Chinese New Year celebration. There are red lanterns hanging above, a brightly lit stage with performers, and a large digital screen displaying colorful graphics and snowflakes. Many people in the crowd are wearing masks, taking photos, and watching the performance.
People sleeping inside a traditional Asian temple, with intricate dragon sculptures on the pillars and colorful decorations on the walls.