The origin of Mazu?

Mazu was born on March 23rd, the first year of Song Jianlong (960). Before she was born, her parents had given birth to five daughters. They were very eager to have another son, so they burned incense and prayed for our son early, but the baby was a baby girl and their parents were disappointed. The night before the baby girl was born, neighbors saw the meteor turn from the northwest sky into a red light, dazzling, and dyed the rocks on the island red. Therefore, parents think that this baby girl must not be an idle girl, and she is particularly fond of her. Because she never cried from birth to the second month, she was named Moline, and her parents also called her Moline Niang.

Maureen was cleverer than other sisters when she was a child. When she was eight years old, she was inspired by her teacher. She can not only read aloud from memory, but also understand the meaning of words. When she grows up, she is determined to do good deeds and help others all her life and never marry. Her parents obeyed her wishes. She is devoted to charity and public welfare. She has been studying medicine, treating people and teaching people to prevent and eliminate disasters. People praised her. She is calm and helpful. As long as she can help the villagers solve their problems, she is willing to do it, and often guides people to avoid misfortune. People are willing to discuss with her and ask her for help when they are in trouble.

Maureen grew up by the sea. She also knows astronomy and meteorology, and is familiar with water. There are few reefs in the strait between Meizhou Island and the mainland, and fishing boats and merchant ships wrecked in this sea area are often rescued by Maureen, so it is said that she can "cross the sea by sitting on the ground". She can also predict the weather changes and inform the boatman in advance whether she can sail, so it is said that she can "predict the strange" and call her "goddess" and "dragon lady"

On the 9th day of September, 4th year of Yongxi, Song Taizong, Maureen died at the age of 28. On this day, people on Meizhou Island have legends. They saw a colorful cloud, Ran Ran, rising in Mae Peak, and vaguely heard sweet music floating in the air.

Since then, sailors have said that it is common for Maureen to wear red clothes at sea to help those in distress and call for help. Therefore, Mazu gods are gradually and universally enshrined on seagoing ships, praying for safe and smooth navigation.