联合国可持续发展目标的永恒守护者！神秘的东方“天后”妈祖：守护海洋、为女性发声！

Mazu, also known as the Heavenly Empress, is a widely revered sea goddess in China and East Asia, worshipped as a protector of those at sea. Originally named Lin Mo-niang, she hailed from Fujian province in China and became famous during her lifetime for her ability to predict storms and rescue those in peril at sea. Over time, Mazu’s veneration spread from Fujian to China’s coastal regions, eventually extending to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, establishing her as a shared deity among the global Chinese community.

妈祖，又被尊称为“天后”，是中国及东亚广泛崇拜的海上女神，被视为海上航行者的守护神。她原名林默娘，出生于中国福建省，生前以能预知风暴、救助海上遇险者而闻名。随着时间的推移，妈祖信仰从福建传播到中国沿海各地，并进一步扩展至台湾、香港及东南亚，成为全球华人共同信奉的神祇之一。

Mazu not only protects seafarers but also embodies deep cultural significance. In Chinese culture, she represents the preservation of history, faith, and moral values, reflecting the Confucian ideals of kindness, filial piety, and guardianship. These virtues elevate Mazu’s influence beyond religious boundaries, making her a vital spiritual pillar in the Chinese world, shaping societal values and deeply resonating with the community. The belief in Mazu has become intertwined with people’s daily lives and spiritual aspirations, connecting her values closely with those of her followers.

妈祖不仅是海上航行者的守护者，更承载着深厚的文化意义。在中国文化中，妈祖象征着对历史、信仰和道德价值的传承，体现了儒家所推崇的仁爱、孝道与守护精神。这些美德使妈祖的影响力超越了宗教的范畴，成为华人世界重要的精神支柱，塑造着社会价值观，并在民众心中引起深刻共鸣。妈祖信仰早已融入人们的日常生活和精神追求，其所代表的价值观与信众的内心世界紧密相连。

Mazu’s cultural impact is also evident in the temples dedicated to her and in annual festivals that bring communities together, preserving local traditions. Events like Taiwan’s annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage draw hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists, showcasing the enduring influence of Mazu’s faith in modern society and the fervent devotion she continues to inspire.

妈祖的文化影响力也体现在遍布各地的妈祖庙宇以及每年举办的节庆活动中，这些活动不仅凝聚社区力量，也有效地传承了地方传统。例如，台湾每年举行的大甲妈祖绕境进香活动，吸引了数十万信众与游客参与，充分展现了妈祖信仰在现代社会中依然具有强大生命力，并持续激发人们的虔诚信仰与热情。

The Legendary Origins of Mazu: From Meizhou Island to the World’s Guardian

妈祖的传奇起源：从湄洲岛走向世界的守护神

The story of Mazu originates from Meizhou Island in Fujian. It is said that from a young age, she was kind-hearted and compassionate, possessing the ability to predict weather changes. She often sailed out to rescue fishermen and sailors in distress. At the age of 28, Mazu tragically lost her life while trying to save others during a rescue mission. In her memory, local fishermen enshrined her in a temple and worshipped her as a sea goddess. As stories of Mazu’s miracles spread, her veneration expanded beyond China and, through Chinese migration, reached Taiwan, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

妈祖的故事起源于福建的湄洲岛。据说她从小就心地善良、富有同情心，并具备预测天气变化的能力。她常常出海救助遇险的渔民和航海者。在她28岁时，不幸在一次救援行动中英勇牺牲。为了纪念她，当地渔民将她供奉于庙中，尊她为海上女神。随着关于妈祖显灵的故事不断流传，她的信仰逐渐超越中国本土，随着华人的迁徙传播到台湾、东南亚、美洲及欧洲，成为全球华人共同敬仰的守护神。

As a female deity, Mazu holds unique significance in a historically male-dominated society. She symbolises wisdom, courage, and strength, offering profound inspiration for advancing modern women’s rights. This aligns with SDG 5, which emphasises gender equality, showcasing the leadership and critical role women should play in society. Mazu’s legacy encourages more women to realise their potential and become powerful forces in the community.

作为一位女性神祇，妈祖在历史上男性主导的社会中具有独特的重要意义。她象征着智慧、勇气与力量，为推动现代女性权利提供了深刻的精神启示。这正与联合国可持续发展目标第5项——“性别平等”——的宗旨高度契合，展现了女性应在社会中发挥的领导作用与关键地位。妈祖的精神遗产激励着更多女性认识自身潜能，成为推动社区进步的强大力量。

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14, “Life Below Water,” and 5, “Gender Equality,” symbolise the alignment between Mazu’s faith and contemporary sustainability issues. As the guardian of the seas, Mazu embodies the spirit of ocean conservation while also exerting a profound influence on promoting gender equality and female leadership. (Photography: UNESCO)

A Cross-Cultural Symbol Beyond Religion: The Contemporary Role of Mazu’s Faith

As times have changed, the faith in Mazu has transcended the boundaries of traditional religion, evolving into a cross-cultural symbol and source of spiritual strength. Her image, embodying care and protection, aligns with modern society’s values of environmental conservation, gender equality, and cultural diversity. Through the many Mazu temples around the world, her faith promotes social welfare and fosters cultural exchange.

随着时代的变迁，妈祖信仰早已超越传统宗教的界限，演变为一种跨文化的象征与精神力量的源泉。她所代表的关爱与守护形象，与现代社会倡导的环境保护、性别平等和文化多样性价值高度契合。遍布全球的妈祖庙不仅弘扬了这一信仰，也积极推动社会公益事业，促进各国之间的文化交流与理解。

Looking ahead, the belief in Mazu is set to further expand, becoming a spiritual bridge that connects different cultures and nations. Mazu’s faith carries rich cultural and historical significance, reflecting ancient reverence for nature and a pursuit of compassion, equality, and guardianship. By integrating the principles of sustainable development, Mazu’s belief system reveals new cultural value in modern society and will continue to thrive and evolve for generations to come.

展望未来，妈祖信仰有望进一步传播发展，成为连接不同文化与国家的精神桥梁。妈祖信仰蕴含着丰富的文化与历史意义，体现了古人对自然的敬畏，以及对慈悲、平等与守护精神的追求。通过融合可持续发展的理念，妈祖信仰在现代社会中展现出新的文化价值，并将继续代代相传、不断演化，在世界各地焕发持久而深远的生命力。