Mazu (goddess) 妈祖

Mazu (traditional Chinese: 媽祖;simplified Chinese: 妈祖), also spelt Matsu and Ma-tsu, is the Chinese patron goddess who is said to protect seafarers, such as fishermen and sailors. The worship of Mazu began in the Song dynasty. Mazu is widely worshiped in the coastal regions of China, especially in Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Tianjin and Hainan. She is also worshiped in ****** and other places in East/Southeast Asia.