“天后”、“天上圣母”称号溯源

Trace to the Source of Titles of “Goddess” and “Goddess of Heaven”

通过引证相关档案和文献史料,论述多年来,中国大陆和台港澳地区出版的许多妈祖研究著作,因袭“天后”之称源于康熙二十三年加封、“天上圣母”之称源于道光十九年加封这一传统说法是错误的,两种称号实均源自民间,前一称号后来获得清朝廷认可,而后一称号则始终停留在民间的自发传播。

By citing relevant archives and doucuments as evidence, this essay points out the mistakes that the additional title of Goddess was originally granted in the 23rd year of Kangxi reign and 'Goddess of Heaven' in the 19th of Daoguang reign in many books on Mazu published recently in China's mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. Both 'Goddess' and 'Goddess of Heaven' actually originated among the people. The former was later recognized by the Qing imperial court while the latter remained popular among the people.