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Tin Hau

is very important because she is god of the sea and hence patron of fishermen.

as most of Hong Kong communities are originally from the sea she is very important in traditional island life.

Also known as the "Tin Hau Festival". This year (2005) it is on May 1st which is March 23rd of the lunar calendar. Watch out because the lunar calendar does not match the normal calendar each year in the same way.

This is not a public holiday and you will only see something special actually very close to a Tin Hau temple - and probably only in the smaller communities particularly in fishing islands.

In some places also called Matsu (媽祖, pinyin: Māzǔ; literally "Mother-Ancestor"), this was a real lady -- who"s name was Lin Muoniang (林默娘) but after death became the Taoist Goddess of the Sea. Because it is her who who protects fishermen and sailors you will find a lot of temples to her on fishing islands.

In Hong Kong, around 60 temples are dedicated, at least partially to Tin Hau. They were mostly built around early Ching dynasty. The temple in the Tin Hau area, east of Victoria Park, in Eastern district, on Hong Kong Island, has given its name to the area and to the MTR station serving it (Island line).

All those who owe their livelihood to the sea praise Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea.

Tin Hau"s birthday is celebrated to bring safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year. There are celebrations at Tin Hau temples in different districts in Hong Kong. Seafarers adorn with boats with colourful ribbons praising the goddess for past protection and praying for future luck. Boats are loaded with symbols of devotion, with offerings to the goddess.

The festival in her honour culminates in a procession and is characterised by floral paper offerings known as fa pau. Every year Joss House Bay, in Sai Kung, hosts a vivid celebration, where traditional rites are observed at the temple. In Yuen Long, in the New Territories, a parade takes place with lion dances.

Join a Tin Hau Tour to enjoy this colourful of the festival.