Even the deities celebrate the New Year！ The “Beigan Bai Ming Cultural Festival” in Matsu kicks off on the 3rd

▲ The Beigan Bai Ming Cultural Festival will begin on the 3rd. (Photo / File photo, photo by reporter Liu Zhihang)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

Influenced by both Taiwan and Fujian, the customs and culture of Matsu, an offshore island of Taiwan, differ slightly from those of the main island. The most lively annual event, the “Beigan Bai Ming Cultural Festival,” will begin on the 3rd. This unique cultural celebration can only be seen in Matsu in Taiwan. This day is the most important one across the four townships and five islands, and also marks the time when “the deities celebrate the New Year.”

On the day of “Bai Ming,” the temple deities and spirit mediums from the four townships and five islands visit other temples to “pay New Year’s calls.” During this important festival of “the deities celebrating the New Year,” residents place offerings to worship the deities at night. It is said that this custom originated from early fishermen in eastern Fujian’s Lianjiang area, who regarded the Matsu archipelago as a refuge. During the harsh winter sea conditions, many were unable to return home for the New Year. Thus, on the night of the 15th day of the first lunar month, they would hang lanterns as signals to reassure their families on the mainland. The tradition has continued to this day. Although Matsu has experienced long-term population outflow, many locals still return home to participate in the Bai Ming Festival on this day.

Every year on the eve of the Lantern Festival, all residents mobilize to prepare for Bai Ming, and it is only during this time that one can experience this unique traditional culture of Matsu. Each temple holds its own procession and deity welcoming at different times, creating a particularly lively atmosphere. The 13th day of the first lunar month is the first major highlight. At 8 PM, the island’s various temples begin carrying the god palanquins to pay New Year’s visits and participate in the “Burning of Horse Provisions” event. The “carrying of spirit mediums” consists of four “medium carriers” lifting the palanquin and “table leaders.” It is said that the deities on the palanquin guide the movements of the palanquin and the carriers, allowing onlookers to witness these “divine signs.”

Carrying on the festive atmosphere of the ceremony, the “15th Night Spirit Parade Blessing and Lantern Riddle Party” will then take place. Various temples take turns visiting others to “pay New Year’s calls” according to schedule. Visitors to Matsu during this period will experience the liveliest time of the year on the islands.