Tiannv's Chaoshan Mazu Culture

There are many similarities and even similarities between the folk beliefs in southern Fujian and Chaoshan, especially the belief in Mazu, the god of marine protection. It can be said that it is the same Mazu, the same ocean feelings! There are many Mazu Tempel in Chaoshan area, which is directly related to the influx of Fujian immigrants in history, and it is also a concentrated expression of folk beliefs in Chaoshan coastal areas. Mazu in Chaoshan area is also called the Virgin Mary, and Mazu Tempel is distributed in every corner of Chaoshan, mainly in Chenghai, Raoping and Shantou. The folk customs in southern Fujian and Chaoshan areas are similar, especially the people's belief in Mazu, the god of marine protection. As an important port for foreign trade, overseas immigrants and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries in ancient Chaoshan area, Zhanglin ancient port in Chaoshan has been thoroughly soaked with "tidal flavor" since it welcomed Mazu in Meizhou, Fujian. In particular, the Lin clan in Hong Kong climbed up with her, always saying that she was a "self-lover" and affectionately calling her "aunt". The local government also stipulates who will marry a new wife. The bride must bring a plate of oranges and a basin of water to the temple early the next morning to wash and dress her aunt and honor her.

Every year on March 23rd, I go to Chaoshan to see Mazu, and the activities of Mazu Camp are very grand. On this day, the villages selected several groups of young people as "bearers" to carry Mazu's sedan chair. "Porters" are all strong people, mostly young men who have been married for many years without children or just got married. During the Mazu camp, the gods were first invited to Mazu Tempel and then placed in sedan chairs. Then the horse's head sounded gongs to clear the way, followed by the big incense burner, followed by the Mazu sedan chair, followed by the immortals, and then the people dressed up as stories, trophies and banners. The streets and alleys were crowded with onlookers. Housewives must put incense tables on the roadside to worship, and every household will light long firecrackers to welcome them. When Mazu passes by, believers will hold three burning incense sticks and put them in the furnace in front of the procession. Onlookers, who have been married for many years, have no children and can't get a sedan chair, must squeeze to the front to touch the statue or the top of the sedan chair. If they can touch it, it means that you will have a baby this year. When Mazu sends the idol back to the temple after visiting, it depends on which car god runs fast, and the fastest one is more auspicious for the New Year.