Mazu Culture
The term "Mazu Culture" was first proposed by Professor Lin Jinwen of Shanghai Normal University at the 1987 Mazu Millennium Sacrifice Academic Seminar in Putian and was recognized by most people. . According to Song Dynasty's Liao Pengfei's "Reconstruction of Shunji Temple at Shengdun Ancestral Temple": "She is a goddess, You Ling, a strong person, and she is also said to be a goddess who can reach the sky. Her surname is Lin, from Meizhou Island. In the beginning, she used witchcraft as a means of predicting things. It is a misfortune for people, and after their death, everyone built a temple on the island... Yuanyou was born in Bingyin, and there was often light on the pier at night. The villagers didn't know why. "Mazu belief was initially limited to the Meizhou area, and then gradually spread. To the outside. Mazu culture includes a series of derived cultures and civilizations derived from Mazu belief. Wang Xiuwen believes that Mazu culture includes the moral connotation, belief connotation and multi-disciplinary cultural connotation of Mazu culture. The connotation of Mazu belief mainly includes Mazu's various belief activities and belief customs; the multidisciplinary connotation of Mazu culture refers to the cultural content of various disciplines contained in Mazu culture, such as folk art, folk culture, oral literature, etc. formed by Mazu belief. , involving history, literature, art, folk customs, religion, architecture and other aspects. Mazu belief has endured for thousands of years and has become a worldwide belief precisely because of the existence of Mazu spirit contained in Mazu culture.
The Legend of Mazu
Mazu’s original name was Lin Mo, also known as Lin Mo Niang. According to legend, Mazu was born on the 23rd day of March in the first year of Jianlong of the Song Dynasty (960 AD) and died on the 9th day of September in the fourth year of Yongxi reign of the Song Dynasty (987 AD). Because she never cried from birth to the full moon, her father named her "Mo". . Never married. During her lifetime, she was intelligent, smart and studious. She could recite sutras at the age of 8, interpret Chinese texts at the age of 10, learn Taoism at the age of 13, and cross the sea at the age of 16. She knew medicine, weather, and navigation. In her short life, she helped her neighbors. He has done many good deeds with passing merchants and fishermen at sea, and often rescues fishermen in distress at sea. On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the fourth year of Yongxi's reign in the Song Dynasty, when Lin Moniang was 28 years old, she said goodbye to her family and became naturalized at Meiyu Peak on Meizhou Island. People admired her spirit of doing good deeds and rescuing people in distress. In order to commemorate her, a temple was built next to the "Ascension Monument" on Meizhou Peak to worship her. They respected her as the Goddess of the Sea, the Dragon Goddess, the Goddess, etc. During the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, Mazu was named "Mrs. Shunji", which was the first time the imperial court praised Mazu. Later, successive imperial courts also granted her titles such as "Tianfei", "Tianhou", and "Heavenly Virgin". Standing on the top of the mountain of the Meizhou Ancestral Temple, the Meizhou Ancestral Temple is majestic and spectacular against the backdrop of beautiful peaks, strange rocks, secluded caves and quiet forests; the majestic statue of Mazu, facing the sea, is graceful and kind. It is an eternal sea god and a symbol of peace. . The spirit of Mazu is everywhere at home and abroad.
Mazu Belief
The Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple was expanded during the Tiansheng Period (1023-1032 AD) and became more and more majestic day by day. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424), the navigator Zheng He came to Meiyu twice to preside over imperial sacrificial ceremonies and expand temples under the imperial edict of Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty. Every time Mazu is born, hundreds of compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan form incense groups and come to the island to pay homage to their ancestor. During Zheng He's voyages to the West during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, with the continuous large-scale overseas Chinese immigration activities, Mazu belief spread to a wide range of ports in East and Southeast Asia (especially in coastal areas). Mazu temples can be seen in many ports, such as Japan. A-Ma Temple in Nagasaki and Yokohama, A-Ma Temple in Macau, Tin Hau Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Long Tien Temple in the Philippines, and Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Fujian, the birthplace of Mazu, is where Mazu belief flourishes. In Putian, Mazu’s hometown alone, there are no less than a hundred Mazu temples. Before the Republic of China, there were dozens of Mazu temples in every county along the coast of Fujian. Today, there are still a large number of Mazu temples in various parts of Fujian and they are very popular. Mazu culture has even penetrated into the inland Hakka mountainous areas of western Fujian. Three of the Mazu temples in Fujian are listed as China's national key cultural relics protection units.
Mazu Sutras
There is a sutra about the Queen of Heaven, called "Master Guanyin's Sutra of the Queen of Heaven", which was spread to the late Ming Dynasty due to the popularity of Buddhism in the Yuan Dynasty. Scripture. It is also known that the scriptures in the "Three Religions Searching for Gods" written in the seventh to tenth year of Yongle (1374-1377) are "The scriptures of Taishang Laojun talking about Tianfei". A popular scripture in Southeast Malaysia in modern times is the "Three Character Classic", which was created separately in Nanyang during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Judging from the contents of the scriptures about Mazu left in Xu Cong Temple, the scriptures mostly describe Mazu's life events or the magic power of gods, and less have strict meanings. It is only a process of chanting during the ceremony, but it also has a certain vitality.
Poetry of fortune sticks
Folk custom says, "There are two things to do when you step into the temple gate, burn incense and draw lots to ask questions." In fact, Chinese folk beliefs are "a combination of Buddhism, Taoism and many ancient traditions. It is formed by belief in the legend.” (Li Yiyuan, "Human Vision") Drawing lots is still an ancient component of folk belief. Many Mazu temples in Putian have preserved signed poems (59). The signed poems can be divided into five categories: (1) going out, pedestrians, and letters; (2) Feng Shui, choosing a residence, cemeteries, and moving; (3) marriage , longevity, having children, prosperity; (4) future, position, wealth, wealth, business, litigation; (5) visiting patients, disasters, illness, gods, etc., are all encountered in people's daily life.
Special Sacrifice
Mazu sacrifices are rather peculiar. In addition to the commonly used food, 36 "aquatic pilgrimage" plates made of flour are also prepared, including fish, shrimp, crabs, and clams. etc. 36 kinds. When worshiping Mazu in Hanjiangxia Xuxin Palace, astronomical charts, shipbuilding charts, and conch shells must be hung. When worshiping at the ancestral temple in Chungmun Port, a model of a sailboat is placed. These strange sacrifices are all related to the sea, so worshiping Mazu is actually worshiping the sea.
Dragon boats hang the flag of Our Lady
Dragon Boat Festival, Putian often holds dragon boat races, which is different from the national dragon boat racing festival to commemorate Qu Yuan. The dragon boat made in Putian must have a flag with the name "Our Lady of Heaven" on it, and a statue of Mazu must be placed on the boat. This is because the dragon is the king of water and Mazu is the god of the sea. Rowing a dragon boat carrying Mazu flags and statues can not only drive away evil spirits, but also protect the safety of the dragon boat to avoid accidents.
Decorating the Candle Mountain
On the night of the Mazu Lantern Festival, whether it is a large palace or a small temple, they must decorate the "Candle Mountain". The so-called "Candle Mountain" refers to racks of different heights made of iron or wood in front of the temple square of Thean Hou Temple. Bamboo clips are installed at a certain distance from the racks for the purpose of inserting candles. On this night, believers each offer a pair of dragon and phoenix flower candles, which are lit and inserted, so that from a distance it looks like a mountain of candles, symbolizing Mazu's divine light on the sea. Afterwards, believers remember the lighting position. When the dragon candle burns down to the first or second inch, they extinguish the fire and take it home to continue lighting it to show auspicious signs and peace throughout the year.
Late Lantern Festival
Putian’s Lantern Festival custom starts from the ninth day of the first lunar month, with fifteen "Lanxiao Hearts". But the Mazu Lantern Festival has been postponed to the 29th day of the lunar calendar. It is said that during the Lantern Festival, people often play the Nine Dragon Lantern game. After the Lantern Festival, the dragon lantern must be cremated and allowed to ascend to heaven to ensure peace; if it is not cremated, it will become an "evil dragon" and endanger all living beings. But the dragon is the king of the sea, who can preside over this ceremony? Folks believe that Mazu is the God of the Sea and rules over the dragon king of the four seas. Therefore, Mazu’s Lantern Festival is scheduled to be the last day of the second lunar month, so that all dragon lanterns in the county can be gathered together and burned together to avoid causing chaos. This is the origin of the custom of Mazu’s Lantern Festival at the end of the month.
Fan Cha Hanging Mat
When Puti fishing boats go out to sea, they often hang a sail-style straw mat on the mast to ensure smooth wind. It is said that this custom also comes from Mazu. "The Legend of the Queen of Heaven" contains: The Queen of Heaven wanted to cross the river and sea, but there was no oar in the boat, and the boatman did not dare to travel because of the rough wind and waves. The Queen said: "It doesn't matter. You can replace it with a straw mat." So he asked people to hang the straw mat at the end of the mast, hoisted the sail, and the ship sailed out to sea, quickly and smoothly, like the floating shadow of a seagull. Later, because straw mats were cumbersome and inconvenient, cloth ones were used instead, with the "Our Lady of Heaven" pennant placed on them instead. This was a folk custom changed from ancient hanging mats.
Nine-Chong Rice Cake
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Putian people often steam "Nine-Chong Rice Cake", which is steamed with rice milk and ingredients. Steam the first layer first, then steam the second layer, 9 times in a row, to form "nine-layered rice cake". According to folklore, the reason for steaming "nine-layer rice cake" is because Mazu died on the ninth day of September. Second, because the name "Nine Chong" is taken from "the ninth day of the ninth lunar month", the two nines are repeated, so it is called "Nine Chong Rice Cake". "Nine Chong Rice Cake" can not only worship Mazu, but also be used as food for hiking and hiking.
Sachets ward off evil spirits
Putian folk, parents often go to temples to pray for sachets for their children to wear to keep them safe and not afraid of evil spirits. This sachet is made of cloth and is 2 inches square. The front is red, with Tai Chi Bagua embroidered in the middle, and the four characters "Meizhou Ancestral Temple" embroidered in the gaps at the four corners. The edges of the four corners are tied with variegated velvet thread; the back is grass green, with a red flower embroidered in the middle, and a red curtain is added at one third of the place with the four words "Mother of Heaven" embroidered on it. The bag can hide a spell Incense ash, and a buttonhole on the front edge for threading and hanging.
Hanging calamus
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Putian people in the old days used to hang calamus on their doors to ward off evil spirits.
Although this folk custom has similarities with other places, the hanging of calamus by the Putu people is related to the legend of Mazu's healing and saving lives. According to "The Legend of the Queen of Heaven", one year a plague prevailed, and the whole family of the Putian county magistrate was critically ill. The servants told the county magistrate that Meiyu Mazu's magic power was great, and the county magistrate fasted and went to ask for advice in person. At the nine sections of calamus, place it on the door of the sick person, fry the calamus and drink it, and the sick person will recover immediately. The county magistrate was delighted with the gift of rebirth, and the whole family came to thank him. Since then, Mazu has become famous all over the country. Since then, people believed that calamus was a gift from Mazu and could ward off evil spirits and eliminate disasters. They were imitated and hung one after another, gradually becoming a local folk custom.
Holy Grail Divination
Putian people are superstitious about distance. They often use a pair of wooden or bamboo root instruments, which are half-moon shaped, with one side flat and one side raised, forming a pair of commonly known as "Holy Grails". ", to ask for divination. According to Putian folklore, a worker who made a tripod (a pot used for cooking) came to Meizhou to make a tripod and failed three times in a row. Later, he discovered that there was a girl standing nearby watching. The worker thought it was unlucky and wanted to rush out. She left the girl and said: "It's okay to go away, but I want the red-hot iron sand." The tripod builder agreed to her request. The girl picked up the red-hot iron sand and returned home, safe and sound. It is said that this girl was Mazu when she was a child, and that she later used the "Holy Grail" formed by the iron sand cooled by her opponent to communicate with the heavens. Later generations followed suit and used wood or bamboo to make magical instruments, which became a folk custom for asking divination.
Canopy-shaped bun
Canopy-shaped bun is also called sailing bun. Because Meizhou Island is accustomed to men going out to sea to fish, while women manage affairs at home. Pray day and night to Mazu to bless those who go to sea safely. Women on Meizhou Island, especially middle-aged and elderly women, have sail-shaped hairstyles on their heads. That is, in the middle and back part of the head, the hair is combed into a bun that is more than 10 centimeters high and erected in a semi-solar shape, resembling a sail. It is also called "Mazu bun". The combing method is to first divide the hair into three parts: left, middle and right, then comb the middle part of the hair into a bun, and then comb the left and right sideburns. Then tie them together and comb them into a bun like a sail. Sometimes a large sewing needle or silver needle is inserted into the bun with a red thread hanging on it to make the hairstyle more beautiful. According to fishermen on Meizhou Island, Mazu also wore her hair in this sail style during her lifetime, and later generations formed the custom in order to imitate Mazu. Wearing your hair in a sail bun not only shows that you are a resident of Meizhou Island, but also hopes to be protected by Mazu.
Half-cut red trousers
Most middle-aged and elderly women on Meizhou Island often wear a special pair of trousers with the upper half red and the lower half black or blue. It is said that this is imitating Mazu's style of clothing. "Tianhou Appearance Record" records: Lu Yundi was on an envoy to Korea, passing through the East China Sea,... saw a goddess appearing on the mast, sitting upright in red clothes. It is also reported that in the spring of the first year of Yuanshun, 780 grain ships sailed out of the ocean from Liujiagang, Taicang, Taipingjiang Road. When the wind blew up... the officials prayed to the Queen of God, but before they finished praying..., they suddenly saw Zhu in the sky. Wearing clothes and green covers, we stopped in front of the boat... After a while, the wind and waves were calm. These records indicate that Mazu wore red clothes, so the women of Meizhou Island imitated her as a sacred garment. But Mazu is a deity and can wear all red, but she is a common person, so she only wears a section of red. This is a way to express respect for Mazu and to ensure peace.
No fishing on birthdays
In the days before and after the 23rd day of the third lunar month, fishermen on Meizhou Island have a custom of not being able to go fishing or fishing in the sea. According to "The Legend of the Queen of Heaven", there are many gods and monsters in the East China Sea, and fishing boats often drown. The Queen of Heaven said: "This must be a disaster caused by ghosts and gods." She ordered the boat to sail into the middle of the sea with drums and oars. At that time, the wind and the sun were very quiet, and I saw the water tribe gathered together, with their golden scales and colorful armor, jumping and spitting water. I saw a wave head, holding a god who looked like a prince, bowing and shouting in front of the Queen of Heaven. Suddenly the water surged, and the people in the boat were trembling with fear. The Queen said: "Don't be afraid." That is to say, there is no need to welcome. Suddenly the water became clear and the sea became calm, and then I realized that the Dragon King was coming to pay homage. From now on, on the birthday of the queen of heaven, all the aquatic people in the sea gather in front of the island to celebrate. Accordingly, the fishermen of Meizhou Island believe that in the past few days, the Dragon King will come to worship Mazu and the tide will be strong, so they will not be able to fish in memory of Mazu. According to another investigation, in the days around March 23, there were indeed many aquatic animals swimming around Meizhou Island to lay eggs. This may be an interesting coincidence between legend and celestial phenomena.