The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHINESE FESTIVAL

"THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU, WHO IS THE PATRON GODDESS OF
FISHER FOLK, IS HONOURED ON THE 23RD DAY OF THE THIRD
MOON (SPRING). THE FISHERMEN GATHER AT TIN HAU'S
GREAT TEMPLE AND BURN JOSS STICKS AND THE SMALL
PIGS WILL BE ROASTED AND IS OFFERED TO THE GODDESS,
TIN HAU. AFTER THE OFFERINGS, THERE WILL BE LION DANCES
AND THE ROASTED PIGS WILL BE DIVIDED.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE EATEN THE ROASTED
PIGS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO TIN HAU, WILL BE BLESSED
BY HER, AND SHE WILL ALSO PROTECT THE FISHERMEN FROM
STORMS AND GRAND THEM PLENTY OF FISH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Date learned: 02-24-1968