Clear Water Welcomes the Sails

[Folk Beliefs] [Intangible Cultural Heritage] [Folk Beliefs of the Zhejiang and Fujian Goddesses] [Fujian-Taiwan Culture] [Maritime Silk Road] [Oceanic Literature] [Metaphysics] [The Wisdom of Working People]

On her first day after arriving in this world, Chen Shuining is forced into a substitute marriage. She saves herself by tossing an embroidered shoe.

A month after arriving, she faces trials as perilous as climbing a mountain of blades and forces herself to overcome her fear of heights.

On this land, where divine wonders and human lives intertwine, Heaven and Earth have bestowed on the people a shared cultural heritage, close-knit bonds across the waters, and the courage to press ever onward. Chen Shuining is one of them, too.

The dragon horns sound, and they set sail with the current. Chen Shuining and Lin You'an stand at the bow.

Laughter rings in their ears; in the distance, sea and sky meet; behind them lie peaceful times and bountiful harvests.

The dragon moves, bringing wind and rain, and cleanses Heaven and Earth.

Thunder crashes, clearing the universe.

Immortals heed the rivers’ commands;

May all pray for peace across the land.

A single good deed towers a thousand feet;

A thousand grand houses earn a lasting name.

Set sail with the current, ride the vast waves;

May the ship return home laden with gold and silver.

Clouds part and mists disperse, revealing a bright world;

May fair skies and moonlight bring great fortune.

Protect our health and safety, and may we offer our reverence;

We pray for blessings and long life, offering incense from the heart.

May descendants keep the incense burning bright;

Stars revolve, and the sun and moon shine.

Through culture, the people nurtured Fujian opera, Xiang opera, Ou opera, and Yue opera. As the gods made their rounds, the people strove forward. Through force, they repelled foreign invaders, fought off Japanese pirates, and reclaimed Taiwan, safeguarding the nation’s maritime security. For thousands of years, the maritime cultures of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Taiwan have shared one heritage, and their people have remained close across the waters.

May peace and prosperity bless these mountains and rivers for generations. May we ride the wind across the four seas and spread our fame throughout the land.