Mazu: Chinese Goddess of the Sea

The tempestuous nature of the sea is a thing of legend – not only legend, but of gods. Just mention God of the Sea to a westerner, and you’ll conjure up images of Poseidon, reputed to be one of the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy of the Olympian gods. By contrast, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea is Mazu, a kind and compassionate lady watching over sailors, fishermen, and travelers.Today, we’re going to introduce Mazu, the most influential goddess of the sea in China, who is at the heart of a host of beliefs and customs throughout the country’s coastal areas as well as countless Chinese communities around the world.