央视英语频道:一带一路福建行之妈祖
央视9套英语新闻频道CCTV News7月25日中午12点在重点栏目《新闻一小时》特别节目中播出“一带一路福建行”,包含有在莆田拍摄采访的内容。
摄制组是6月24日至25日，以妈祖文化为主题，到我市湄洲岛妈祖祖庙采访香客,了解妈祖文化对东南亚地区民俗文化和价值观的影响，并深入湄洲湾北岸开发区拍摄八方港口、国投湄洲湾煤炭码头等。
Mazu belief underlines commercial exchanges
For generations, sea farers in China have been worshipping the Mazu goddess. The beliefs now extend beyond her native Fujian province, into many parts of south-east Asia. The Mazu beliefs and customs have also evolved into commercial and people-to-people exchanges in the 21st Century.
Revered by both officials and ordinary people, Mazu has been China’s most influential goddess of the sea since the 10th century. Meizhou Island, in Putian City of southeast Fujian Province, is the legendary birthplace of Mazu. Chen Chengbo from neighboring Guangdong Province is no stranger to this place.
For generations, sea farers in China have been worshipping the Mazu goddess. The beliefs now extend beyond her native Fujian province, into many parts of south-east Asia.(File photo)
"I am from Shantou; a famous port from where many migrants set sail to southeast Asia. They always went to the Mazu Temple before leaving, to pray for a safe journey and prosperity in their new lands," Chen said.
Over generations, as millions of coastal Chinese travelled and migrated along the Maritime Silk Road, Mazu beliefs and customs spread to over 30 countries and regions. As a result, the goddess is worshipped by over 200 million people nowadays.
Millions of Mazu followers from across the world visit the island every year. They are not only contributing to the tourism industry, but also bringing opportunities for local business communities.
"Many people who follow the goddess Mazu are from countries which have huge trading and investment potential. When they come to visit here, they are interested in business opportunities. Our strategy is to organize more cultural events and make them a platform for commercial exchanges," said Lin Jinbo, director of Putian City Development & Reform Commisssion.
And this is already happening. For example, local furniture companies have imported rosewood from south-east Asia and exported furniture in return. Under China's "One Belt One Road" initiative, more ports and infrastructure projects are being built for the increasingly active connections with abroad.
"We've built up railways that link us to the inner parts of the country. Bulk commodities, such as coal from Australia, will be sent to inland provinces within days; while freighters can bring Chinese products to the rest of the world," said Chen Quanhui, secretary of Fujian Bafang Port Development Ltd..
The goddess of Mazu has blessed her followers along the ancient Maritime Silk Road for centuries. Locals hope the worship of Mazu will continue to bring hope and prosperity in times to come.