PEDIA Follow official announcements and onsite guidance

Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage: Core Rituals & Companion Guide

A guided overview of the 9 key rituals, incense-flag rules, practical gear tips, and pilgrimage etiquette. Please follow official announcements and onsite guidance.

Start with the 9 Rituals Go to War Room Go to Library Download quick guide

TIMELINE ENTRY

先看完整進香流程

若你想先快速理解白沙屯進香從擲筊、放頭旗、登轎、起駕到進火、回宮、開爐的整體順序，建議先閱讀流程頁，再回來深入閱讀各項儀式與隨香知識。

前往進香流程頁

Fast Read Highlights

FAST READ

RITUALS

9 rituals at a glance

1. Divination for Dates　2. Raising the Head Flag　3. Feast for the Divine Guard　4. Boarding the Sedan　5. Departure

6. Arrive & Stay in Beigang　7. Fire Fetching (Core)　8. Return & Resettling　9. Open Furnace

FLAG

Incense Flag: 3 rules

Circle the incense burner clockwise 3 times (Head-Flag day / after Fire-taking)

Keep it off the ground; keep it clean

After Furnace Opening, re-circle at the temple; store it high and clean

GEAR

Feet first (most important)

Toe socks: reduce friction; fewer blisters

Worn shoes, one size up: feet swell; new shoes blister easily

Arch support + cushioning insoles: reduce plantar stress

RULES

Rules & etiquette

Do not touch: palanquin / head flag / incense carrier

Accept offerings politely: take what you need; no waste

Mind your words and actions: avoid alcohol, gambling, and disrespect

Note：This page is a cultural reading guide. Actual schedule, route, and rules follow official announcements and onsite guidance.

Quick Navigation ・ Read by sections—get the key points faster

9 Ritual Timeline Incense Flag Rules Gear Essentials Taboos & Etiquette Tools & Support

Milestone

Core Rituals: Timeline of the 9 Key Moments

Dates are determined by divination, and the route follows Mazu’s will. Below is the timeline of the 9 key milestones for easy reading.

Divination for Dates

On the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, the furnace master casts divination blocks to determine key timings for the next year (departure, fire fetching, return, etc.).

Raising the Head Flag

Three days before departure, the head flag is placed by the dragon pillar, marking the beginning. Many pilgrims observe three days of vegetarian practice and prepare offerings for the “army feast.”

Feast for the Divine Guard

Three days before departure, offerings are prepared to honor Mazu’s divine guard, praying for safety along the route.

Boarding the Sedan

Selected women purify and change attire; ceremonial offerings (tea, incense, wine) are presented as devotees bow and welcome Mazu onto the palanquin.

Departure

The head flag leads. After the palanquin crosses the temple gate, the route is not fixed—Mazu guides the path, testing strength and resolve.

Arrive & Stay in Beigang

Upon arrival in Beigang, the palanquin stays. First-time pilgrims often follow “Tou-di-xin” (wearing all new clothes) before paying respects at Chaotian Temple.

・ CORE

Fire Fetching (Core)

The most sacred moment: holy fire from Chaotian Temple is placed into the fire vessel, sealed within the incense carrier, and escorted back—symbolizing spiritual continuity.

Note: Fire-taking is the core ritual. Please follow official announcements and on-site guidance, and prioritize safety and solemnity.

Return & Resettling

Returning to Baishatun for an overnight stay, then the procession enters Gongtian Temple the next day. Along the way, “snack stations” share offerings, creating a lively scene.

Open Furnace

Twelve days after the return, the red cloth is lifted and the holy fire is added to each hall. Pilgrims pray with flags and store them cleanly for the next year.

Incense Flag: Passing the Incense Burner & Usage Rules

The incense flag symbolizes a pilgrim’s identity and spiritual connection. Keep it clean, respectful, and never let it touch the ground.

1. Opening the Flag (Before Departure)

On the Head Flag day, bring the old flag back to the temple to pay respects.

Pass it above the incense burner three clockwise circles, symbolizing renewed spiritual blessing.

2. After Fire Fetching (Core)

After the fire-fetching ritual in Beigang, pass the flag above the incense burner again before the return.

Ask a companion to help, keeping the flag clean and off the ground.

3. Storage Rules

No restrooms: ask a companion to hold it or place it in a clean area.

Never place it on the ground.

After Open Furnace, you may pass it above the incense burner again and store it in a clean, elevated place at home.

This page is a cultural reading guide. Actual schedule, route, and rules follow official announcements and onsite guidance.

Gear: Practical Selection & Field Tips

This is not ordinary hiking—it is long-distance walking over multiple days. Gear goals: reduce friction, manage heat/moisture, and stabilize your feet.

FEET

Foot Care (Most Important)

Five-toe socks: reduce toe friction and help prevent blisters.

Walking shoes: choose a well-broken-in pair, one size larger; feet swell after long walking and new shoes cause rubbing.

Functional insoles: arch support and shock absorption reduce plantar fascia stress.

CLOTHES

Clothing & Sun Protection

Moisture-wicking tops: avoid cotton; it becomes heavy when wet and increases friction.

Cooling sleeves + sun hat: reliable physical sun protection and better temperature control.

Tights/compression pants: reduce inner-thigh friction and irritation.

Pilgrim Must-Read: Taboos & Etiquette

Pilgrimage is a practice, not tourism. Respect and discipline help you go farther—and stay safe.

TABOO

Strict Taboos

Do not touch the palanquin, head flag, or incense carrier without permission.

Mourning: traditionally, participation within one year is discouraged (follow personal and family circumstances).

Pregnant women are not advised to pass under the palanquin—prioritize safety.

ETIQUETTE

Etiquette

At departure and stops, you may report and pray to Mazu with incense.

Accept offerings without rushing; take only what you need and avoid waste.

Mind your words and conduct: no alcohol, sex-related misconduct, gambling; avoid vulgar or frivolous behavior.

Note: The pilgrimage is a spiritual practice and a long walk. Safety and respect come first. Rest and seek help if you feel unwell.

Tools & Support Information

Save energy for the road and rely on trusted info: live GPS, support resources, and official livestreams improve safety and efficiency.

GPS

Live Updates

Use the Baishatun Mazu App / GPS services to track the “Pink Supercar” location. Please follow official and onsite information.

Go to War Room

SUPPORT

Need a Ride? Support Vehicles

Look for vehicles with “Need a ride?” signs. Rest and refuel whenever necessary.

Tip: Save your strength for the road. If you see a “Need a ride” support vehicle, don’t push yourself—rest, refuel, then continue.

LIVE

Official Livestream

Follow the official YouTube channel to witness key moments such as Fire Fetching and Open Furnace. Official announcements prevail.

Download quick guide

Note

This page is a cultural reading guide. Actual schedule, route, and rules follow official announcements and onsite guidance.