# Mazu's Birthday and the Procession Tradition

> Mazu's birthday falls on the twenty-third day of the third lunar month. Where the "March Mazu madness" comes from, what the Dajia procession involves, and how to celebrate online if you cannot be there.

"March Mazu madness" is Taiwan's biggest annual religious event. Mazu's birthday is the twenty-third day of the third lunar month, and temples hold celebrations and processions around it — the most famous being the nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage from Dajia Jenn Lann Temple.

## The date and its origin

Mazu was born Lin Moniang in Meizhou, Putian, Fujian, in the Northern Song, in 960 CE, on the twenty-third day of the third lunar month. Because she rescued people from shipwrecks in life and appeared to protect sailors after death, emperors granted her the title "Empress of Heaven" — Tianhou.

## What a procession is

A procession is the deity touring the territory under its protection, clearing away misfortune and blessing the place. Worshippers crawl under the palanquin and follow the incense. The Dajia pilgrimage draws over a million participants a year and is counted among the world's three great religious events.

## Celebrating online

Around Mazu's birthday, Tianyun Temple usually holds a site-wide celebration: the chairman sets off fireworks, releases sky lanterns and drops red envelopes. Offering three sticks of incense in the main hall and lighting a lamp is the best way to celebrate online. Any day you think of Mazu, the page is open.

## What Mazu protects

Mazu began as a sea goddess, protecting those who went to sea. Today she is a guardian across the board: safe driving, exams, family harmony, business. Worshippers ask for everything, and Mazu looks after all of it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What date is Mazu's birthday in 2026?

The twenty-third day of the third lunar month falls between late April and May on the solar calendar, and shifts each year. The Empress of Heaven Daily and temple notices mark it.

### Are there taboos about crawling under the palanquin?

Do not carry an umbrella (the word sounds like "scatter") and do not wear mourning clothes. Crouch as the stewards direct and let the palanquin pass. None of this applies online.

### What should I bring to follow the incense?

For a physical procession: light clothing, water, sun protection and a reusable bowl. Online, just bring a sincere intention.

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Updated 2026-11-12 · Tianyun Temple 天雲宮 · https://tianyungong.com/en/guide/mazu-birthday