Abstract
From the perspective of spatial analysis, this thesis shows how Shanhai Gong Temple promotes Mazu religious activities in Penang, Malaysia. First, the spatial design of the statues, the censers, and the worship practices manifest the local worldview. Second, the spatial organization of the festivals such as the birthday celebrations of the deities also produces a sense of sacredness that devoted to localtastes. Moving from still to interactive spatial distribution, the festivals of different locations influence each other through various spatial contacts. For instance, in 2009,Shanhai Gong temple borrows elements from Taiwanese Mazu rituals through video clips on the Internet. However, to resonate with local participants, Shanghai Gong adjusts the “pirated” Taiwanese version. The Shanhai Gong version is so-well received that temples outside Penang invite Shanghai Gong to perform in their religious festivals. This phenomenon demonstrates that Shanhai Gong first actively implants Taiwanese Mazu rituals from cyberspace to real space in Penang then later transplants the “adjusted version” to elsewhere in Malaysia. To conclude, the production of Shanhai Gong Mazu festivals shows a mode of connection and expansion that suggests a significance of modernity