Matzu Temple

The temple of Matzu at Tianjin

This temple at Tianjin is dedicated to the Taoist goddess Matzu. Literally her name means “Mother-Ancestor” (Ma-cho).

She is the goddess of the Sea who protects sailors and fisherman. She is the patron saint who protects East Asians who are associated with the ocean.

She is extremely popular among the Cantonese, Fujianese, Teochew, Taiwanese and Vietnamese people, who have cultures strongly connected with the sea.

At statues she is dressed in very beautiful colored clothing.

The Matsu Islands for the coast of Fujian district are also named after her.