Have you ever heard of Mazu? She is a representative of our Chinese maritime culture, and is revered by believers as the protector of the sea. Every year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, which is her birthday, believers from all over the world gather to worship her and pray for peace. But what is interesting is that this year's Mazu's birthday actually collided with May Day, which can make many believers and people who are ready to travel make a difficulty: on the one hand, there is faith, and on the other hand, how to choose? Don't worry, let's talk about this special May Day first.
May Day was originally a long-awaited holiday, after all, it was a full five days off, which was enough for people to relax. Some people may have made travel plans early in advance, and are ready to use this long vacation to see the scenery in distant places, or go home to visit relatives and friends. However, this year's May Day seems to be a bit special, because according to the old yellow calendar, the fortune of this day is not very good, and it is even called "Fierce Day".
Speaking of which, you may have to ask, what exactly is the "evil day"? Actually, this is judged according to the ancient mantra of "12 Jiane" to choose a day. This mantra divides every day of the year into auspicious days and evil days, and May Day is exactly classified as a bad day. Not only that, but it's also a "harvest day", which means harvest and end, and according to tradition, it's not a good day to start a new activity. Are you starting to get entangled? On the one hand, there is a rare five-day long vacation, and on the other hand, there is the taboo of "fierce days", should you travel?
There is no absolute answer to this question. After all, the mantra is only a relic of ancient culture, and it does not completely determine our actions. In today's society, where technology and rational thinking are becoming more and more dominant, we don't need to be overly superstitious about these old mantras. Of course, if you have a deep affection for traditional culture, you can also choose to respect it and avoid important activities on "evil days".
Back to the topic of Mazu's birthday. This day is undoubtedly an important day for believers. They will go to the Mazu temple to worship and pray for the blessing of Mazu Niangniang. Especially in the Mazu Temple on Meizhou Island, the grand occasion of this day is unprecedented. Believers come from far and wide, holding incense sticks, and bow down in front of the statue of Mazu reverently, telling their wishes and prayers.
Such a scene undoubtedly makes people feel the power of faith. In this materialistic society, being able to maintain a reverence and prayer for the gods may also be a kind of spiritual sustenance and comfort.
For those who do not believe in these traditional customs and beliefs, May Day is just an ordinary holiday. They may choose to travel, party, or stay at home and enjoy a leisurely time. This is understandable, after all, everyone's beliefs and choices are different.
What will you choose for this year's May Day? Do you stick to your faith and worship Mazu Niangniang, or put aside taboos and enjoy the holiday? Or do you have other plans and arrangements? No matter how you choose, please remember to keep a heart of awe and gratitude.
Finally, I would like to ask you: on this special day, will you adhere to traditional customs or choose to follow your own heart? No matter what, don't forget to enjoy every beauty that life brings us!