Festival of Matsu, guard of fishermen, Taiwan
Celebration of Matsu, the Chinese goddess of the sea on Nangan Island in Taiwan's outlying Matsu Island chain, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011. Falling on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, worshippers celebrate the anniversary of the believed ascension to heaven of the island's beloved goddess Matsu, known as the protector of fishermen.