早期福建的海外移民与妈祖信仰

The Early Immigrants from Fujian and the Mazu Cult

福建地处东南沿海,人们素有移居海外的习俗。在早期的福建海外移民中,妈祖主要起航海保护神的作用,而当福建移民抵达海外移居地时,他们也把妈祖信仰带到了新的地方,并赋予新的使命,使妈祖宫庙成为联络乡谊、增进感情、共谋福祉的新场所。

Fujian lies along the coast of Southeastern China. People there had the tradition of immigrating overseas. For the early immigrants from Fujian, Mazu was regarded as a goddess who would protect them during their navigations. When the Fukienese reached their oversea destinations, they kept their Mazu cult in their new dwelling places, and gave her new missions. That is, the Mazu temples became new places of making friendly contacts with their fellow townsmen and seeking to gather for happiness.