Mazu, a revered figure in Chinese mythology, transitioned from an ordinary individual to a goddess posthumously. Her enduring influence garnered her a spot on the UNESCO list for intangible cultural heritage, yet referring to her solely as a Chinese goddess may not fully encompass her significance, particularly in Taiwan where her impact resonates deeply.
What Does Mazu Mean in Chinese?
The name Mazu can be broken down into two components: “ma,” which translates to “mother,” and “zu,” meaning “ancestor.” Hence, her name can be interpreted as “Ancestor Mother” or “Eternal Mother.” It is worth noting that “Mazu” can also be spelled as “Matsu,” the earliest recorded Chinese version of her name. In Taiwan, she is officially recognized as the “Holy Heavenly Mother” and the “Empress of Heaven,” emphasizing her profound status on the island.
Mazu’s significance is closely tied to her association with the sea, particularly among communities whose livelihoods depended on maritime activities.
The Story of Mazu
Mazu was born in the 10th century, originally named Lin Moniang, often shortened to Lin Mo. The name Lin Moniang, meaning “silent girl” or “silent maiden,” aligns with her nature as an observer. She grew up in the Fujian province of China, where her family earned a living through fishing, while Lin Mo spent much time weaving at home.
Her ascent to divinity began during a fateful weaving session around 960 AD. Legend has it that she performed a remarkable miracle before passing away at age 26, or as some narratives suggest, ascending to heaven.
Why is Mazu a Goddess?
The event that catapulted Mazu to goddess status involved a harrowing ordeal faced by her family during a fishing expedition. As she wove, Mazu fell into a trance and foresaw a perilous storm threatening her father and four brothers. In that moment, she purportedly transported them to safety until her mother interrupted her, mistakenly believing it to be a seizure, resulting in the tragic loss of her oldest brother.
What is Mazu the Goddess of?
Given her miracle, Mazu became venerated as the goddess of the sea and water. She stands as one of the most significant sea deities, offering protection to sailors, fishermen, and travelers. Her role expanded beyond that of a mere sea goddess; she is revered as a protective figure of life itself.
Deification of Mazu
After the miraculous incident, Mazu’s legend continued to grow, linking her to various events where she purportedly aided maritime travelers during treacherous storms.
Official Status of Goddess
Mazu’s official recognition as a goddess came during the Song dynasty, when the Chinese government acknowledged her as a deity. This decision stemmed from an incident in the 12th century, where it was believed that she saved an imperial envoy at sea, further solidifying her status. Such acknowledgment from the government reflects the societal values they wished to uphold and the importance of Mazu to the communities.
Mazu Worship
Following her promotion to goddess, Mazu’s shrines began to emerge across Southern China. However, her worship truly flourished in the 17th century upon her arrival in Taiwan.
Was Mazu a Taiwanese or Chinese Goddess?
While Mazu was born in mainland China, her legacy spread through the efforts of Chinese immigrants, reaching across regions like Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. Despite her origins, she occupies a particularly notable status in Taiwan, where her influence is recognized by the local government, ultimately earning her a place on the UNESCO list for intangible cultural heritage.
How is Mazu Worshiped and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Mazu’s inclusion in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list is attributed to her role at the center of numerous beliefs, customs, and practices that define the Taiwanese and Fujian identities. This encompasses oral traditions as well as rituals surrounding her worship.
Celebrations in her honor occur biannually on Meizhou Island, her birthplace, where devotees engage in festive activities, including sacrificing marine animals. In addition to these major events, numerous smaller festivals are held, featuring altars adorned with incense, candles, and colorful “Mazu lanterns,” where devotees seek blessings for pregnancy, peace, and overall well-being.
Mazu Temples
Temples dedicated to Mazu are architectural marvels, designed to be vibrant yet serene. When depicted in art, she is often clad in a red robe, while statues showcase her in ornate, jewel-studded garments akin to an empress. Typically, she is illustrated seated between two mythical demons known as “Thousand Mile Eye” and “With-the-Wind-Ear,” both of whom she overcame.
Despite their conquest, the demons continue to express admiration for Mazu, with the goddess playfully challenging them to combat, despite being aware they could never defeat her. In time, the demons evolved into her companions, sharing space in her temples.
Pilgrimage
An annual pilgrimage takes place to celebrate Mazu on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, commemorating her birth. During this event, her statue is ceremonially removed from the temple and paraded through the surrounding regions, symbolizing her connection to the land and cultural identity.
