Mazu, formerly known as Lin Mo, was born in the Northern Song Dynasty (March 23, 960), a native of Meizhou Island, Putian, Fujian. According to historical records, Lin Mo has rescued many fishermen and boats who have struggled in shipwrecks, and she can also ** weather changes to avoid disasters. One night when she was 28 years old, Lin Mo flew up in a cave in the mountains behind Meizhou Island and never returned.
In order to commemorate Lin Mo's kindness, people honored her as "Mazu", which means "Mother of the Sea". Over time, legends and worship about Mazu gradually spread throughout the coastal areas, especially Fujian, Taiwan, and other places. Mazu temples have been built in various places to worship the statue of Mazu god and pray for the peace and harvest of the ocean. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Mazu faith had spread to coastal China and even as far away as Southeast Asia.
Today, Mazu has become an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Every year on Mazu's birthday (March 23 of the lunar calendar), grand temple fairs are held in various places, and people come to worship Mazu and pray for peace and prosperity. Fishermen and merchants who sailed the seas regarded Mazu as the protector of navigation, and her image often appeared on ships to pray for safe navigation.