Double migrations, part two

Cities and Memory - remixing the world

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.
After relocating to Xiamen for work, I visited the Xiamen A-Ma Temple one afternoon. In this recording, administrators chat loudly in Minnanese on a quiet afternoon with few visitors. Amidst the chatter, faint sounds of lighters represent devotees offering incense to A-Ma. Their quiet devotion contrasts with the private prayers of believers in Quanzhou.
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 Sun.
Part of the Migration Sounds project, the world’s first collection of the sounds of human migration.
For more information and to explore the project, see https://www.citiesandmemory.com/migration