My partner in the early 2000s originally came from the predominantly Catholic village of Wanchin in Pingtung, and we would spend time down there with her family. One December they invited us to go to an event held by the local church, a famous basilica, in which a statue of the Virgin Mary was paraded around the area. The tradition had striking similarities to the Matsu pilgrimages of central Taiwan.
Twenty years later, I went back to the village to photograph the event again. The parade passed the family home.
In the earlier event, I found a priest was hearing confession in a quiet spot by one of the wings. The priest was cupping his ear to better hear the whisperings of a woman in traditional Paiwan aboriginal clothing. I took a photo with the Hasselblad, Kodak HIE infrared film spooled onto 120 reels.
Twenty years later I would return for the event. The priest was once again hearing confession, in the same place, with the same thick, curly mop of hair, now turned white. Priest and confessor were both in masks due to the pandemic. Minolta Autocord. The Hasselblad has long since gone.
Ingrid says
Oh my goodness Paul! That’s an incredible story and to have captured the same scene a 2nd time, 20 years later, is amazing 🙏 I love seeing traditions of years gone by continued into the present. You’re so fortunate to live in an area that maintains events like this 💝
Anonymous says
A beautiful slice of life, yours, and in a broader sense. Nice lens!es!
carylon says
Anonymous! Is that you?