Celebration of the Heavenly Empress Matsu

Tian-ho MatsuTian-ho Matsu (Heavenly Empress Matsu), goddess of the sea in late Chinese mythology. Its cult originated in the X-XI centuries. Tian-ho is depicted sitting on the waves, on the clouds or on the throne. She has two assistants: one hand is attached to the ear, the other is brought to the eyes.

According to legend, the prototype of Matsu was a girl from a fishing village named Lin, who lived in 960, who knew how to swim on the sea mat and cross to the islands on the clouds. She flew to rescue brothers in distress at sea. When she ascended to heaven at the age of 28, she was completely controlled by all the movements of the waters. If Matsu orders, the floods and typhoons will subside. But if she wants, the elements can rage again. In 1156, by order of the emperor, a temple was erected in her honor. The princes awarded her magnificent titles. From the XIII century. it began to be called Tian-fei (Heavenly concubine), and from the end of the XVII century. - Tian-ho.

Today, Matsu connects Chinese living in the country and abroad. According to rough estimates, the goddess is worshiped by more than 200 million people in different parts of the world. Sailors consider her their patroness. The birthday of the goddess Matsu falls on the 23rd day of the third month of the lunar calendar. Most people prefer to make pilgrimages a few days before this date.

The cult of Tian Hou is especially popular in Fujian Province, Taiwan; there are temples in her honor in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City).