 2011 Mazu Birthday, Guandu Temple 妈祖诞，关渡宫
 Taiwan has geared up for the birthday celebration of Mazu, 妈祖, the Sea Goddess, and the Guan Du Temple, 关渡宫 one of the oldest Mazu temples in Taiwan, is no exception.
Devotees sponsored opera performances while the temple management decorated the temple and prepared additional tables for devotee’s offerings. A red banner announcing rituals for Mauz's birthday celebrations appears at the door of the main hall.
Although Mazu’s birthday is on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, devotees began praying to her a few days before the birthday.
Anticipating the crowds, shops around the Guan Du temple had also begun offering prayer items especially longevity peaches, longevity noodles and other items used for prayers.
The space in front of Mazu shrine was very quickly filled up with offerings and flowers. Some devotees even commissioned special offerings packed to look like hampers. These were places on special tables nearer to the shrine.
After prayers devotees move on to pray their respects to other deities in the temple before moving on a mini tour of the temple.
This is just the eve of Mazu's birthday.
In the next few hours and on the day of the birthday, even more devotees and visitors are expected.
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