Mazu worship is concentrated along China’s southeast coast, in Taiwan, and amongst the Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia. According to legend, back in the late 10th century a mortal lass living along China’s southeast coast, named Lin Mo-niang (林默娘), went into a trance and magically saved seafaring male family members who’d been caught out at sea in a storm. Soon thereafter she ascended to heaven, becoming an immortal. (There are many legend variations; learn more in the “Mazu” Wikipedia entry.)
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