Mazu: a coastal story and shared memory

A living tradition

UNESCO inscribed Mazu belief and customs in 2009, describing oral stories, ceremonies and folk practices. Its account of a woman from Meizhou rescuing shipwreck survivors belongs to belief tradition.

A traditional date

Lungshan Temple lists Mazu’s birthday as lunar 3/23. Actual celebrations require local announcements.

Reading a story

Distinguish legend, historical evidence and current event information. Consider how a community tells and passes on a story.