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The A-Ma Temple is a
The name ''Macau'' was thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied ''Maa-gok'' or ''A-maa-gok'' of the Mother"). The Portuguese then named the peninsula "Macau". The temple was well described in ancient Chinese texts, as well as represented in paintings, related to Macao. It is also one of the first scenes photographed in Macao.
In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau, a
File:A-Ma Temple (1386860279).jpg, A-Ma Temple
File:A Ma Historic Marker.JPG, World Heritage marker
File:A Ma Temple 200907.jpg,
File:A-Ma Temple (1387764934).jpg,
temple
A temple (from the Latin ) is a building reserved for spiritual rituals and activities such as prayer and sacrifice. Religions which erect temples include Christianity (whose temples are typically called churches), Hinduism (whose temples ...
to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu
Mazu or Matsu is a Chinese sea goddess also known by several other names and titles. She is the deified form of the legendary figure Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. ...
located in São Lourenço, Macau
Macau or Macao (; ; ; ), officially the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (MSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea. With a pop ...
, China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, most populous country, with a Population of China, population exceeding 1.4 billion, slig ...
. Built in 1488, the temple is one of the oldest in Macau and thought to be the settlement's namesake.
History
The name ''Macau'' was thought to be derived from the name of the temple. It is said that when the Portuguese sailors landed at the coast just outside the temple and asked the name of the place, the natives replied ''Maa-gok'' or ''A-maa-gok'' of the Mother"). The Portuguese then named the peninsula "Macau". The temple was well described in ancient Chinese texts, as well as represented in paintings, related to Macao. It is also one of the first scenes photographed in Macao.
In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international coope ...
World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...
.
Architecture
The temple consists of six main parts: Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence (the oldest part of the temple), the Hall of Guanyin, Zhengjiao Chanlin - Buddhist Pavilion.Gallery
See also
*Kun Iam Temple
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, built in 1627
* Tam Kung Temple (Macau), built in 1862
* Na Tcha Temple, built in 1888
* Sam Kai Vui Kun
Sam Kai Vui Kun, known also as Kuan Tai Temple, () is located in front oSt. Dominic’s Market Complex near Senado Square in Sé, Macau, China. The temple was built in 1750.
Kuan Tai () is the Anglicized spelling of Lord Guan, an important ge ...
* Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong
Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong are dedicated to Tin Hau (Mazu). Over 100 temples are dedicated (at least partially) to Tin Hau in Hong Kong. A list of these temples can be found below.
Famous temples
Famous Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong include: ...
* Qianliyan
Qianliyan is a Chinese sea and door god. He usually appears with Shunfeng'er as a guardian of the temples of the sea goddess Mazu.
Name
The name "Qianliyan" literally means "He of the Thousand- Mile" or "League Eyes" but may be taken more gen ...
& Shunfeng'er
Shunfeng'er is a Chinese sea and door god. He usually appears with Qianliyan as a guardian of the temples of the sea goddess Mazu.
Name
The name "Shunfeng'er" literally means "Wind Accompanying Ears" in reference to his ability to hear any soun ...
* Religion in Macau
* List of historic buildings and structures in Macau
References
Religious buildings and structures completed in 1488 Historic Centre of Macau Macau Peninsula Buddhist temples in Macau Landmarks in Macau Temples of Mazu 1488 establishments in Asia 15th-century establishments in China 15th-century Buddhist temples {{PRChina-religious-struct-stub