Ma Zu, the Goddess of the Sea, is said to protect fishermen and sailors.  Ma Zu is invoked as the Patron Saint by all Southern Chinese, and East Asian residents along the coast.  Ma Zu, originally named Lin Mo, was born in Fu Jian, China  around 960 C.E.  The worship of Ma Zu began around the Song Dynasty when many temples dedicated to her were built, later spreading to other countries.  Ma Zu is widely worshipped, and has significant influence on East Asian sea culture, especially in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam.  (6/30/2010)