Portrayal of Ma Tsu/Source from Ma Tsu Temple in Lugang

　　The goddess of the South China Sea is the famous "Ma Tsu." Fishermen in Fukien and Kwangtung had worshiped Ma Tsu since the Song Dynasty before they went out to fish or when they are in danger. People who live on the coast still worship Ma Tsu today no matter whether they are going to sea or not. Ma Tsu was originally called Lin Mo Niang. People say she will appear on the sea when someone shouts for help. They respect her because she is the guardian goddess of the sea. People on the coast of Fukien and Taiwan called her Ma Tsu.
　　 In order to encourage people to explore the South China Sea, the government gave Ma Tsu several formal titles to demonstrate respect for her; this also gave people the confidence to explore and use ocean. By getting people to venture into the South China Sea, the government could achieve its maritime goals and expand the territory of China. So we should remember Ma Tsu when we study the history of the exploration and development of the South China Sea.