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Abstract
The Match-maker Deity is first mentioned in the ancient novel The Engagement Tavern written by Wei Gu in the Tang Dynasty. The matrimony deity is often portrayed as having white hair and beard, showing kindness and smiling. He holds the matrimony book in one hand and the red silk threads in the other, indicating that the marital relationship is pre-destined and connected by invisible red thread.
The image of the Match-maker Deity varies in accordance with the sculptor’s background and training school. As the matrimony book is the most characteristic attribute of this deity, most sculptors adopt the ancient scroll for this book, symbolizing the Match-maker Deity’s immense wisdom and the pre-destined matrimony. By and large, the plastic form, clothing and decoration, as well as attributes all contain symbolic meanings. .
The Match-maker Deity is worshiped extensively in Taiwan, which indicates a spiritual entrustment and reflects a kind of thinking in modern society. This kind of folk culture, by incorporating local practices, can be cultivated into festival activities that encourage the cultural education of local communities. Hence, the folk culture can be passed on to the young generation and be promoted, and the cultural heritage can be preserved and prolonged.
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