Kinmen: Residents of Kinmen County participated in the annual Bee Worship Ritual on Sunday, marking the birthday of Mazu, the revered sea goddess in local folk religion. The event involves the challenging task of snatching eggs while avoiding swinging palanquins.

According to Focus Taiwan, the ritual, which is an intangible part of the offshore county's cultural heritage, is conducted during an annual sacrificial festival. This festival is held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month to honor Mazu, the female deity.

During the event on Sunday, participants witnessed several villagers carrying two swinging palanquins through a crowded space. Temple elders were seen tossing red duck eggs and rice cakes into the crowd and sprinkling holy water outside the Fengshang Tianhou Temple in Jinhu Township.

In a symbolic act believed to ensure peace and good health, adults and children dashed into the path of the palanquins, skillfully dodging the swinging sedan chairs and splashes of water to seize the offerings.

Cheng Jung-chang, the head of Fengshang Tianhou Temple, informed CNA that the Bee Worship Ritual is unique to Kinmen. The ritual's origins are linked to the belief that beehives were once located near the temple.

Local elders recount that wild bees were a common sight in the area. However, due to deforestation and other environmental factors, these bees have now vanished.