Mazu

Mazu is a Chinese sea goddess in Chinese mythology. She is also known by several other names and titles. She is the deified form of the legendary figure Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China's coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven.

Etymology
Mazu’s name is comprised of the characters mā (媽), meaning “mother,” and zǔ (祖) which means “ancestor.” Before she became a goddess, Mazu’s human name was Lín Mò (林默), or “Silent Lin.” In Taoism, she is known as Tian Shang Sheng Mu (天上聖母), or “heavenly goddess.” In the Southern regions of China, Mazu is colloquially called Ā-mā (阿媽), which can mean either “grandmother” or “mother.” She has a few other formal titles, like Línghuì Fūrén (靈惠夫人), meaning “Lady of Light and Kindness,” or Tiānhòu (天后) which means “Empress of Heaven.”

However, it’s said that when calling upon Mazu in times of urgent need, it’s best to address her by one of her more casual names. If she’s called upon by one of her formal titles, she’ll waste precious time getting ready and dressed up in her imperial regalia before coming to the aid of the person asking for help.

Life and Death
Mazu was born on 23 March 906. According to legend when she did not cry when she was born, so she was thereafter named Lin Moniang which means Silent girl or silent young female. She had a mysterious ability to predict weather and often she warned others to not make journeys to the sea. She became a very good swimmer and would often rescue people from the sea even in the harshest weather. There are at least 2 versions of her death.


 * One legend tells that Mazu went out into the sea during a storm to try to find her lost father. Hours passed but still she could not find her father and later died of exhaustion.
 * Another legend tells that Mazu climbed a mountain alone and flew into the heavens and became a goddess.

Physical Appearence
In art, Mazu is often depicted wearing bright red robes laced with shining jewels that help her be more easily seen by travelers at sea. Mazu is frequently depicted holding a ceremonial tablet that symbolizes her spiritual knowledge and wearing an imperial headdress that represents her godly nature.

Mythology
Qianliyan and Shunfenger

Mazu is said to be guarded by two demons, Qianliyan (千里眼), or “Eyes That Can See One Thousand Miles,” and Shunfenger (順風耳), or “Ears That Can Hear the Wind.” Before they became her protectors, both Qianliyan and Shunfenger had asked for Mazu’s hand in marriage. Mazu agreed, but only under the condition that they defeat her in combat. During the ensuing battle, she easily subdued both demons with her superior martial arts skills and with the help of a magic silk scarf that blew sand into their eyes, effectively blinding them. Instead of marrying her, Qianliyan and Shunfenger vowed to serve as her guardians and to never leave Mazu’s side.