The Fragrant Wine and the Black-Faced Mazu

Among Matsu’s nine Tianhou temples, Jinsha Jing Tianhou Temple stands out with its long history and its unique worship practices. In addition to serving as the main place of worship for Jinsha villagers, it is also one of the three major Tianhou temples on Nangan. Historical stone inscriptions further support its cultural significance.

Unlike the Maiden Mazu of Jinban Jing Tianhou Temple or the fair-faced Mazu of Matsu Jing Tianhou Temple, Jinsha is home to the only black-faced Mazu in all of Matsu. According to legend, the original statue was fair-faced, but during temple reconstruction, the sculptor dreamed of a dark-faced Mazu revealing her true form. After consulting village elders, the temple created the black-faced Mazu statue that stands today.

A Temple Standing as the Village’s “Back Support”

Jinsha Jing Tianhou Temple is one of the few Mazu temples in Matsu that does not sit directly beside a bay. Nestled beneath Yuntai Mountain and positioned at the upper part of the village, the temple’s location symbolizes Mazu as the steadfast “support behind the people.”

More Female Devotees Than Male Worshippers

Traditionally, the temple worshipped Mazu, the Five Manifestation Lords, and the Earth God. The local deity Baima Zunwang (White Horse King), previously worshipped at Dawang Temple, was later moved here to be worshipped alongside them. He presides over matters related to mourning, similar to a City God.

The two accompanying generals were originally bird deities said to have flown from Xiao’ao in Lianjiang, China, carrying incense burners to Jinsha. Sailors believed that calling upon the generals during emergencies at sea would bring rescue. Thus, local men commonly honor the generals as adoptive fathers, while women mostly worship Mazu.

Every year, worship rituals take place on the Lantern Festival:
— 15th day of the first lunar month: primary offerings to the two generals
— 16th day: offerings to Mazu
On Mazu’s birthday (3/23 lunar calendar) and the generals’ birthdays (7/23 lunar calendar), devotees prepare offerings and incense, praying for family safety and good fortune.

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