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.