Statue of Mazu unveiled in Xiamen

A 32.8m-tall statue of the Goddess Mazu has been unveiled in Xiamen. From the article: "Mazu, or Mat-Su, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, is the most worshipped sea goddess in China's coastal areas, especially in the southeast and on the Taiwan islands. Legends and stories have been told over centuries about Mazu rescuing and helping fishermen in distress at sea. People in these areas who make their living by fishing believe Mazu is their patron goddess of the turbulent sea. Mazu is also worshiped in East and Southeast Asia."

 

 Read full article:
Mazu Statue Article

 

 

(photo and article copyright WOX)

Temple of Mazu (Matsu)

 

Temple of the Sea Goddess Mazu

Yantai, Shandong province, China

 

Goddess Mazu

 

Mazu statue at her birthplace, Meizhou Island, Fujian. 

Mazu is a Chinese Goddess of the ocean and Her name means "Mother Ancestor."  She is traditionally honored on the twenty-third day of the third lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  (mid-April to early May: this year it fell on April 13th)

To view a slideshow of this year's celebrations, follow this link:  Mazu Festivals