Great Temple), people were engaging in worship practices common to Chinese folk religion, which included rituals honoring the sea goddess Mazu. Descriptions from the era depict a temple square where Chinese residents gathered for family outings, fortune-telling, tea, and, importantly, to offer devotion to Mazu. This was a time when the temple served as a spiritual center and a public space within the Chinese community of the city.
The context of 1843:
- The year 1843 was shortly after the Treaty of Nanking, which was a significant event in the history of Macau and its relationship with both China and foreign powers. While not directly about worship, this treaty established the benefits of "most favored nation" status for foreign powers, marking a shift in the political landscape that would ultimately impact Macau's status.
- Macau was under Portuguese administration but remained a predominantly Chinese settlement, where both Portuguese and Chinese cultures coexisted and interacted, particularly around religious sites like the A-Ma Temple.
Worship practices:
- The central deity at the temple was Mazu, the goddess of the sea, patron of sailors, and a figure of great importance in Chinese popular religion.
- People offered sacrifices and devotion, often with red paper and candles, to Mazu for protection and guidance.
- The temple served as a hub for the local Chinese community, not just for religious observance but also for social gatherings and other activities.
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