ABSTRACT
After the lifting of Martial Law in 1987, pilgrimages to China have become a routine activity for many temples in Taiwan, especially in the case of the temples of Mazu. To most residents of Taiwan, Mazu is a symbol of Taiwanese identity; to the Chinese, Mazu is a symbol of peaceful unification between Taiwan and China. Thus, there are two nationalist interpretations of Mazu, and many tensions exist among Mazu believers. This chapter focuses on the cross-strait pilgrimage from Xingang Mazu Temple in Taiwan to Yongchun, Fujian in China in 2011, and the establishment of a Taiwanese branch temple in Fujian. In addition, the author shows that Taiwanese local politicians use Xingang Mazu Temple to attract tourists and as a platform for new religious nationalism.
