The Dissemination, Geographic Distribution And The Meaning Of Matzu Culture In Zhoushan Islands

Matzu Belief is originated from Meizhou Island during Song Dynasty. Matzu was anindustrious and brave girl who always helped fish men. When she died in a rescue mission,people convinced themselves that she became a goodness to watch over for them. Theycalled her “Matzu” which means “Mother”. This Belief was transmitted from folk religionto official religion from Song Dynasty. The rulers titled her “The Heavenly Queen” and herpeaceful and motherly love spirit spread all over coastal area of China and Southeast Asia.Zhoushan, known as one of the famous fishing ground, is located at the central part ofChina’s coastal area. Fisherman from Fujian always sailed here to catch fish in a long time.They propagated Matzu Belief around Zhoushan islands which enriched marine religiousculture in this place. Mutually combined with Guanyin Belief and ancient Chinese DragonKing Belief, it made marine patron saint family in Zhoushan Area more completely.Through the methods of field investigation and case analysis, this essay makes clear of thedistribution of “Heavenly Queen Temple” around Zhoushan Islands in order to outline thehistorical route and dissemination characteristics then it can explain the reasons andmeanings of this culture. At the final part, it offers some reasonable advices and suggestionabout Matzu legacy and its non legacy’s protection and utilization.This essay has five parts. The first part introduces the background and meanings ofthis subject. The second part explains Matzu Belief’s forming reasons and sketches out ageneral spreading situation in coastal areas, inland areas, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwanand also in Southeast Asia Region. The third part states clearly of all the temples location.Part four is based on part three, explains why Matzu Belief is popular in Zhoushan andanalyzes the meanings to the local culture. On the final part, this essay first analyzes theexistence of this religion, and then advices and suggestions are offered five advices abouthow to protect and utilize Matzu Culture.