China - The Mazu Belief and Customs

"As the most influential goddess of the sea in China, Mazu is at the centre of a host of beliefs and customs, including oral traditions, religious ceremonies and folk practices, throughout the country’s coastal areas. Mazu is believed to have lived in the tenth century on Meizhou Island, where she dedicated herself to helping her fellow townspeople, and died attempting to rescue the survivors of a shipwreck. Local residents built a temple in her honour and began to venerate her as a goddess..." Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Postcard 1
A postcard showing a painting of "Guarding the Voyage" depicting the Goddess Mazu. Thanks to Huiyi of China.




Postcard 2
Statue of Mazu, Fujian. This is from a Fujian postcard set bought in China.