用英语讲中国非遗文化：妈祖信俗「Mazu Belief and Customs」

妈祖，被尊称为海上女神，对中国沿海地区及更广泛区域有着深远持久的影响。妈祖信俗已成为这些地区文化遗产中不可或缺的一部分。这一独特的文化现象不仅反映了靠海为生的人们的希望与担忧，还展示了代代相传的丰富多样的传统。

The story of Mazu begins with a real - life figure named Lin Moniang. She was born in the Song Dynasty in Meizhou Island, Fujian Province. Lin Moniang was known for her kindness, intelligence, and her ability to predict the weather and help fishermen in distress. She often risked her life to rescue those in danger at sea. Tragically, she died at a young age. After her passing, the local fishermen, deeply grateful for her help, began to believe that she had become a goddess who could protect them from the perils of the sea.

妈祖的故事源于一位真实人物林默娘。她出生于宋代的福建省湄洲岛。林默娘以善良、聪慧以及能预测天气和帮助遇险渔民而闻名。她常常冒着生命危险营救海上遇险的人。不幸的是，她英年早逝。在她去世后，当地渔民对她的帮助深表感激，开始相信她已成为一位能保护他们免受海难的女神。

Over time, the Mazu belief gradually spread. As more and more fishermen and sailors experienced what they believed to be Mazu's protection at sea, the faith in her grew stronger. During the Yuan Dynasty, with the booming of maritime trade, Mazu temples were built in many port cities along the coast. These temples became important places for people to worship Mazu and pray for safe voyages. The Ming and Qing dynasties further witnessed the expansion of Mazu belief. The imperial courts also recognized Mazu, bestowing her with titles and promoting the construction of more temples. As a result, Mazu belief spread not only throughout China's coastal areas but also to neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as to overseas Chinese communities.

随着时间的推移，妈祖信仰逐渐传播开来。越来越多的渔民和水手在海上经历了他们认为是妈祖的庇佑后，对她的信仰愈发坚定。元朝时期，随着海上贸易的繁荣，沿海许多港口城市都修建了妈祖庙。这些庙宇成为人们祭祀妈祖、祈求航行平安的重要场所。明清时期，妈祖信仰进一步扩展。朝廷也认可了妈祖，赐予她封号，并推动了更多庙宇的修建。因此，妈祖信仰不仅在中国沿海地区广泛传播，还传播到了日本、韩国、越南等邻国以及海外华人社区。

Temple Worship（庙宇祭祀）

Temple worship is one of the most important Mazu - related customs. On special occasions such as Mazu's birthday (the 23rd day of the third lunar month) and the day of her ascension to heaven (the 9th day of the ninth lunar month), grand ceremonies are held in Mazu temples. Devotees from all over come to burn incense, offer sacrifices, and perform traditional dances and music. They believe that through these rituals, they can express their gratitude to Mazu and seek her blessings.

庙宇祭祀是与妈祖相关的最重要习俗之一。在妈祖生日（农历三月二十三）和升天日（农历九月初九）等特殊日子里，妈祖庙会举行盛大的仪式。各地的信众前来烧香、献祭，并表演传统的舞蹈和音乐。他们相信通过这些仪式，能够表达对妈祖的感激之情并祈求她的保佑。

Sea - Offering Ceremony（海祭仪式）

The sea - offering ceremony is another significant custom. Before setting sail on long - distance voyages, fishermen and sailors hold sea - offering ceremonies. They put offerings such as fruits, meats, and cakes on their boats and then throw some of them into the sea. This is to show respect to the sea and to ask Mazu to protect them during their journey. The ceremony is accompanied by prayers and the sounding of gongs and drums, creating a solemn atmosphere.

海祭仪式是另一项重要习俗。在进行长途航行前，渔民和水手会举行海祭仪式。他们将水果、肉类和糕点等祭品放置在船上，然后将一部分祭品抛入海中。这是为了向大海表示敬意，并祈求妈祖在旅途中保护他们。仪式伴随着祈祷声和锣鼓声，营造出庄严的氛围。

The Mazu belief and its customs play a crucial role in promoting cultural identity and social cohesion. For coastal communities, Mazu is not just a religious figure but also a symbol of their shared values, such as kindness, bravery, and mutual help. The Mazu - related festivals and ceremonies bring people together, strengthening family and community bonds. Moreover, Mazu belief has also become an important part of Chinese cultural exchanges with the world. It represents the unique maritime culture of China and helps to enhance cross - cultural understanding.

妈祖信俗在促进文化认同和社会凝聚力方面发挥着至关重要的作用。对于沿海社区而言，妈祖不仅是一个宗教人物，更是他们共同价值观的象征，如善良、勇敢和互助。与妈祖相关的节日和仪式将人们聚集在一起，加强了家庭和社区的联系。此外，妈祖信仰也已成为中国与世界文化交流的重要组成部分。它代表了中国独特的海洋文化，有助于增进跨文化理解。

A. A fictional character in a legend.

B. A princess in ancient China.

C. A real - life girl named Lin Moniang.

D. A famous sailor in the Song Dynasty.

A. In the Song Dynasty.

B. In the Yuan Dynasty.

C. In the Ming Dynasty.

D. In the Qing Dynasty.

A. They only burn incense.

B. They burn incense, offer sacrifices, and perform traditional arts.

C. They just pray silently.

D. They clean the temple.

A. To celebrate a good harvest.

B. To ask for good weather.

C. To show respect to the sea and seek Mazu's protection.

D. To welcome Mazu to their boats.

A. They have no real significance.

B. They only bring economic benefits.

C. They promote cultural identity and social cohesion.

D. They are only popular in China.

Explanation: The passage clearly states that “The story of Mazu begins with a real - life figure named Lin Moniang.” Options A, B, and D do not match the information in the passage.

Explanation: “During the Yuan Dynasty, with the booming of maritime trade, Mazu temples were built in many port cities along the coast... The faith in her grew stronger.” Options A, C, and D are incorrect as the wide - spread of Mazu belief started in the Yuan Dynasty, not in these periods.

Explanation: “On special occasions such as Mazu's birthday... and the day of her ascension to heaven, grand ceremonies are held in Mazu temples. Devotees from all over come to burn incense, offer sacrifices, and perform traditional dances and music.” Options A, C, and D do not fully describe what people do during temple worship on Mazu's special days.

Explanation: “Before setting sail on long - distance voyages, fishermen and sailors hold sea - offering ceremonies... This is to show respect to the sea and to ask Mazu to protect them during their journey.” Options A, B, and D are not the reasons for holding sea - offering ceremonies as described in the passage.

Explanation: “The Mazu belief and its customs play a crucial role in promoting cultural identity and social cohesion.” Options A, B, and D do not accurately represent the cultural significance of Mazu belief and customs as stated in the passage.