Tianhou
/ˈtjɛnˌhoʊ/noun
A Chinese title meaning “Empress of Heaven,” especially associated with Mazu, the sea goddess revered across coastal East and Southeast Asia.
Did you know?Tianhou became an official imperial title for Mazu in 1683, when the Qing court recognized her divine protection of sailors and maritime travelers.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
天后
“The characters meant “Heaven” and “sovereign woman” or “empress”; the compound was formed in Chinese.”
Medieval Chinese
Middle Chinese
thian-hə́wH
“The pronunciation developed into the Middle Chinese forms corresponding to 天后.”
960–1279
Chinese
天后
“The title was associated with the maritime goddess Mazu in the Song-era religious tradition.”
1683
Qing Chinese
天后
“The Qing imperial court formally elevated Mazu with the title Tianhou, “Empress of Heaven.””
Modern English
English
Tianhou
“An established romanized Chinese proper noun and loanword referring primarily to Mazu or her temples.”