Women are most beautiful when they are in their cardamom years. How were they called at various ages in ancient times?

Students have pointed out that Mazu evolved from the shamanistic beliefs in the Fujian and Yue regions of China, and absorbed other folk beliefs during the development process (clairvoyance and ears). With the expansion of influence, elements of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism were also incorporated. Finally, it gradually stood out from many sea gods and became an important element of the marine culture of Fujian and Taiwan and the marine culture of East Asia.

Since the Northern Song Dynasty, she has been deified and known as Mazu (the local honorific title for female ancestors). Temples were built to worship her. After being granted the title of Lady Linghui by Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty, she became a deity recognized by the imperial court. Mazu belief spread from Fujian to Zhejiang, Guangdong, Taiwan, Ryukyu, Japan, Southeast Asia (such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam) and other places. There are Tianhou Temple or Mazu temples located along the coasts of Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shandong and Liaoning.

Research on Mazu in the maritime history of East Asia in recent years has led to discussions on the tribute trade, Ryukyu network and transnational immigration history in East Asia before the discovery of Western maritime geography. The Mazu belief circle has become the basis for the formation of the maritime economy and social structure of East Asia. One of the historical witnesses.

Extended information:

Mazu, a sea god belief centered on the southeastern coast of China, is also known as the Holy Mother of Heaven, the Queen of Heaven, the Queen of Heaven, the Concubine of Heaven, the Concubine of Heaven, and the Empress of Meizhou wait. The main body of this belief is said to have evolved from real people and real events. An investigation into Mazu’s life revealed that this belief comes from folklore. First it was a legend, then it was the historicization and deification of the legend, and finally the universal belief in Mazu was formed.

At present, scholars at home and abroad generally believe that Mazu is not a fabricated idol, but a sacred historical figure who came out of the people.

Lin Moniang's identity as a "witch in the middle" is the original form of Mazu belief. Mazu belief emerged in a special ecological environment and is closely related to marine fishery production and maritime activities. Since countless fishermen have died at sea, they hope to be protected by a patron saint of the sea. Mazu's identity as a witch just meets people's wishes.

Her ability to tell the world's blessings and misfortunes, to help those in need, to treat illnesses and eliminate disasters complied with people's wishes, so a temple was built to offer sacrifices after her death. After that, her miracles came one after another and shaped her into a perfect goddess. Therefore, folk belief in witchcraft is the ideological basis for the formation of Mazu culture.

Due to the suggestions and advocacy of local officials, the imperial court frequently granted Mazu titles, and Mazu’s status became higher and higher. In the 19th year of Kangxi (AD 1680), Mazu was bestowed with the title of "Protecting the Country and Sheltering the People. "Min Miao Ying Zhao Ying Pu Ji Tian Hou", "Mother of Heaven" and "Tian Hou" have since become the holy names of Mazu.

Mazu belief is one of the most representative folk beliefs in China. She has also spread throughout the world with the footprints of the Chinese people.

The fundamental purpose of overseas Chinese worshiping Mazu is not to forget their ancestors and their roots. Mazu was originally the protector of the sea. Later, when her functions gradually expanded, people believed that Mazu could help them solve their difficulties, whether they were businessmen, craftsmen, or suffering from difficult childbirth or other diseases.

So overseas Chinese also build temples to worship. People always hope that through Mazu sacrifices, they can carry forward Mazu's fraternity, help the weak, the brave, the indomitable spirit and the concept of filial piety, integrate the essence of Mazu culture into daily life, and pass it on to the next generation. ?

Wang Zuoan, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs of the People's Republic of China, said: We still have a large number of folk beliefs, such as the Mazu belief, which everyone is very familiar with.

As an ancient Han folk deity, why is Mazu’s spirit recognized, praised and revered by so many people at home and abroad and around the world? An important reason here is that Mazu embodies the traditional virtues and lofty spiritual realm of the Chinese nation.

As a fisherman girl of the Han nationality, Mazu is kind and upright, acts bravely when she sees justice, helps the poor, rescues people in danger, benefits the people, and protects the safe navigation of Chinese and foreign merchant ships. All of these are deeds of immeasurable merit, so she is Will be deeply respected by the people. Mazu has done many good deeds that benefit the people, so she is respected and worshiped by many people at home and abroad.

Putian is the hometown of immigrants. Putian imprints such as "Putian Old Home" and "Puyang Lineage" can still be seen on the plaques on the gates of Chaoshan folk houses. There are more than 90 ancestors of Qiong in Hainan, with the largest number coming from Putian. Putian's cultural atmosphere of advocating virtue and adhering to the traditions of the hometown has influenced these immigrants. Coupled with a strong nostalgia for their hometown, Mazu worship from their hometown naturally followed these immigrants to all over the country and overseas.

During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Quanzhou was one of the largest trading ports in the world. In order to develop maritime trade, the Yuan government introduced Mazu to Quanzhou Port, where overseas transportation and trade was prosperous, and became the God of the Sea in Quanzhou. With its development, it has become a national Poseidon and spread far and wide overseas.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, due to maritime restrictions, a large number of people from Fujian went to Southeast Asia and crossed to Taiwan in order to make a living. Mazu belief also spread more widely overseas with the footprints of merchants and immigrants.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Mazu