A-MA TEMPLE (Barra Point) - Macau
Macau 's name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this templededicated to the seafarer's goddess dates from the early 16th. century. According to legend, A-Ma a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl. On arrival in Macau she vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.
It consists of prayer halls, pavillions and coutryards built into the boulder-strewn hill and connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which is engraved a traditional sailing junk. On other boulders are carved red characters invoking the gods or repeating a prayer. Three of the four pavillions are dedicated to A-Ma and contain some fine statues of the goddess together with a model junk with cannons, brass vessels and chapels to Buddhist and Taoist gods. The top shrine honours Kun lam. This temple is distinguished by beautiful tiled roofs and spectacular views from the upper gardens. The festival of A-Ma takes place on the 23rd. day of the 3rd. moon (April or May).
Firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits, are exploded in the entrance courtyard to greet tour groups and lion dances are performed on weekends
Ref.: www.macautourism.gov.mo/
In 1998, Macau received over 8 million tourists, last year the total might have reached 12 million. How many tourists visited Macaé last year?
Text transcribed by Armando Rozário for www.jornalorebate.com - March 06, 2007
