00:02An ocean of humanity in Taichung, welcoming the return of Taiwan's revered sea goddess.
00:08The annual Dajia Maju pilgrimage, Taiwan's biggest religious event, wrapped up early Monday morning.
00:15Her statue visited over 200 temples on a 340-kilometer multi-day loop around the country's center.
00:23On the final day, over half a million people came to welcome the goddess to her home temple.
00:28Massive crowds, all there to catch a glimpse at one of the country's most worshipped deities, even caused her escorts
00:35a two-hour delay.
00:37Among the participants, one stands out. Seven-year-old Xie is a member of the traditional horn troop.
00:56I like Shun Mei, Taiwan.
00:58And then, do you want to join my mother?
01:00Yes.
01:03The troop is tossed, with clearing the way for Maju and warding off bad spirits.
01:08And this was Xie's first time taking on the demanding and important role.
01:22Xie was on the younger side of the record train-out for this year's pilgrimage, proof that traditions in Taiwan
01:28are alive and well, and still being passed on to future generations.
01:32Alex Chen and Zainichi for Taiwan Plus.
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