Mazu
/ˈmɑː.zuː/noun
A Chinese sea goddess traditionally believed to protect sailors, fishermen, and travelers.
Did you know?Mazu worship began around the 10th century with devotion to Lin Moniang, a legendary Fujian woman later honored as a divine protector of the sea.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
妈 祖
“The component characters later written as 妈祖: “mother” and “ancestor.””
10th Century
Southern Min
Má-chó͘
“A regional honorific meaning approximately “Maternal Ancestor,” associated with the deified Lin Moniang of Fujian.”
12th Century
Song Chinese
妈祖
“A recognized title for the sea-protecting deity whose worship spread along China’s southeastern coast.”
13th–17th Centuries
Chinese
天妃 / 天后
“Imperial titles meaning “Heavenly Consort” and “Empress of Heaven,” bestowed on or associated with Mazu.”
Modern English
English
Mazu
“The standard Romanized name of the Chinese sea goddess and her religious tradition.”