Cities And Memory

In 1196 AD, the Minnan people established the Quanzhou A-Ma Temple, dedicated to A-Ma, the goddess of the sea. The spread of A-Ma's belief led to the establishment of A-Ma Temples in Xiamen and later in Qingdao in 1467 AD, as maritime trade flourished from south China to the North. Growing up in Qingdao, I never visited its A-Ma Temple until I became a sailor and felt moved by the devotion to A-Ma. During my 2022 visit to Quanzhou. Although scenes of faith have vanished in Qingdao's A-Ma Temple, this recording captures the resonance of local music, now echoing within the temple walls as part of a folklore museum and documents visitors to the A-Ma Temple, unfamiliar with A-Ma's beliefs, seeking information from their companions. The historical journey of A-Ma's beliefs parallels the migrations of the Minnan people, shaping the coastal regions' cultural landscape in China. As I reflect on my journey, I find solace and connection in the enduring traditions observed at these revered temples. Recorded by Jiyuan