Mazu culture is a unique part of Fujian’s maritime culture. The folk Mazu belief originated in the Song Dynasty, took shape in the Yuan Dynasty, thrived in the Ming Dynasty and reached its heyday in the Qing Dynasty. The impact of maritime activities on the development of this culture can be seen in the diplomatic missions to the ancient Korea in the Song Dynasty, the water transport of grain and maritime transport in the Yuan Dynasty, Zheng He’s great expeditions to the “western ocean” during the Ming Dynasty and the recovery of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty. The saying “where there is sea, there are Chinese; where there are Chinese, there is Mazu worship” speaks volume of the reach of its influence. Mazu, revered as the “Goddess of the Sea” and the “Goddess of Peace”, has become one of the most important folk deities in the Chinese maritime culture.

A Mazu idol “inspection tour”

A sacrificial ceremony at the Mazu Temple in Meizhou, Putian

Mazu from Fujian’s Putian is revered as the “Goddess of the Sea”. Worshipping of Mazu is one of the most representative and wide-spread folk belief in China