What does Mazu Pavilion mean?

Mazu Pavilion is a religious building in Mazu belief, usually located in the gathering place of Mazu culture and dedicated to Mazu gods.

Mazu is a popular belief in the southern coastal areas of China. Mazu is regarded as the god of protecting the sea, which can protect fishermen from going to sea safely and win a bumper harvest. As a religious building, Mazu Pavilion is often an important place and gathering place for Mazu belief.

There is a statue of Mazu in the pavilion, and believers will come to pray, burn incense and offer flowers to express their admiration and blessing for Mazu. The architectural styles of Mazu Pavilion are diverse, some are palace-style large buildings, and some are small belief points. Mazu Pavilion, big or small, is a place for believers to carry out religious beliefs and activities.

In the vicinity of Mazu Pavilion, Mazu Cultural Center and Folk Exhibition Hall are usually set up to show the history, culture and folk customs of Mazu belief. Mazu Pavilion and related places often become an important cultural carrier for people to inherit and carry forward Mazu beliefs, and also attract tourists to understand and experience Mazu culture.

Mazu related legends

1, one-year-old birthday legend: According to legend, Mazu's father Lin Zhengxian is a fisherman. When Mazu was born, it was said that there was auspicious light and wonderful joy. In addition, Mazu liked sailing when he was a child, and he could feel the situation of ships at sea through his palm.

2. Help fishermen save lives: Mazu has been caring and helping fishermen since childhood. It is said that she has saved many fishing boats and fishermen in distress and mastered the ability of storm at sea. Once, Mazu saw a fisherman in distress in a storm. She danced with a handkerchief to create a sea breeze and guide the fishing boat back to Hong Kong safely. Such amazing deeds make people call her a god who can protect maritime navigation and fishermen.

3. Myth story: In the legend of Mazu, she traveled all over the world and went to many places. Among them, the legend of Mazu originated from Lin Mouniang in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province. It is said that in order to help fishermen and navigators, she gave up her mortal body and became a god, turning her house into a pagoda. Since then, the image of Mazu God has spread widely and become the object of belief in the southern coastal areas of China.

4. Marry the Dragon King of the East China Sea: In addition, there is a story about her marriage in Mazu legend. It is said that Mazu married the Dragon King of the East China Sea, and the two became one, praying for the ocean and all beings together.