No Joke! Mazu Has an ID Number: 350321096003237001
Recently, a story about Mazu, the ancient Chinese sea goddess, holding a boarding pass and flying on an airplane has sparked discussions online. To the surprise of many, it turns out that Mazu even has an “ID card” and can book flights and trains. Her ID number is 350321096003237001, and her name is listed as “Lin Mo.” When people saw a photo of Mazu holding a boarding pass with the name (Lin Mo) “LINMO” and sitting on a plane, they couldn’t help but wonder: How does a thousand-year-old goddess have a modern identity? What interesting stories lie behind this?
The Origins of Mazu’s ‘ID Card’ and ‘Real-Name Registration’
Mazu, originally named Lin Mo, was born in 960 AD on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, during the Northern Song Dynasty. Known for her compassion and bravery, she became revered as the protector of sailors. After sacrificing herself in 987 AD during a sea rescue, she was worshipped as “Heavenly Mother.” Since the Song Dynasty, her faith spread throughout coastal China and Southeast Asia, making Mazu one of the most venerated folk deities in these regions. Over the centuries, Mazu has been a symbol of kindness, courage, and selflessness.
Surprisingly, this ancient goddess now has a modern-day “ID card.” Her ID number, “350321096003237001,” reflects the region code of Putian, Fujian (350321), and her birthdate, the 23rd day of the third month in 960 AD according to the lunar calendar, encoded as “09600323,” preserving her traditional and historical roots.
The Story Behind the Boarding Pass: From Meizhou Island to the World
Not only does Mazu have an ID number, but she can also fly and take high-speed trains! On July 1, 2017, Meizhou Mazu flew on Xiamen Airlines flight MF0823 to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a cultural exchange event. To celebrate this special occasion, Xiamen Airlines issued a unique boarding pass with the name “LINMO” – Mazu’s pinyin name, along with the flight and seat number. It was the first-ever “Mazu boarding pass” and attracted a lot of attention.
Similarly, in September this year, Meizhou Mazu’s statue bought a real-name ticket and took the D3142 high-speed train to Kunshan, Jiangsu, for a blessing tour. Seeing the goddess with a train ticket sparked curiosity among passengers, leading many to gather around for a closer look. It’s hard not to marvel at how accessible this ancient goddess has become in the modern world.
Did the Eyes of Heaven and Ears of the Wind Get ‘Tickets’ Too? Fun Stories of Mazu’s Escorts
Mazu’s two escorts, “Eyes of Heaven” and “Ears of the Wind,” also didn’t miss out. They each got their own real-name “tickets.” According to photos, Eyes of Heaven, who can see far distances, took the window seat, while Ears of the Wind, responsible for hearing everything from all directions, sat in the aisle seat. On the flight to Malaysia, Xiamen Airlines even prepared special tickets for these escorts, adding a whimsical touch to Mazu’s journey.
Netizens React: From Identity Verification to ‘Zodiac Analysis’
Upon seeing Mazu’s boarding pass and ID number, netizens reacted with humor and curiosity. Some joked, “Mazu really has an ID number, so she’s officially a Fujian local!” Others playfully analyzed Mazu’s zodiac sign: “Born on March 23, 960 AD, so she’s an Aries, right?”
This led to the inevitable question: Is Mazu’s ID number real? Officials from the Mazu ancestral temple clarified that this “ID” was specially created for Mazu’s blessing tours and was registered to purchase tickets. Thus, the ID number is actually a symbolic figure rather than an actual personal ID.
Similarly, the boarding pass issued for Mazu’s trip to Malaysia by Xiamen Airlines was created for commemorative purposes and not intended for real use. In fact, this was categorized as “seat baggage” – a type of ticket required when statues or instruments need their own seats. Typically, these tickets are printed with the passenger’s boarding pass, creating a unique version for Mazu.
The Modern Relevance of Mazu Culture: From Deity to Cultural Symbol
Mazu’s ID card and boarding pass represent the modern spread of Mazu culture. Mazu is not just a religious figure but also an integral part of Chinese culture. As a protector of sailors, her compassion, bravery, and spirit of self-sacrifice transcend religion, making her an important symbol of Chinese cultural values.
This is why, in 2009, Mazu’s religious belief was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Whether in China’s southeast coast or across Southeast Asia, Mazu’s culture is deeply revered, serving as a spiritual connection for Chinese communities worldwide. The travel of the Meizhou Mazu statue is not just a religious event but also a symbol of Mazu culture spreading across the globe.
A Faith Spanning Thousands of Years, Shared Globally Today
Over the course of a millennium, Mazu has transformed from a sea protector into the revered “Heavenly Mother,” guiding sailors with her light. Today, Mazu’s faith is finding new life through modern forms of communication. Whether it’s a boarding pass, train ticket, or ID card, these are all part of the evolution of Mazu culture as it adapts to the modern world. This ability to evolve is what allows Mazu culture to be shared and respected worldwide.
Mazu’s story continues, and her cultural influence shines brightly in many places around the world. Maybe next time you take a plane or a train and see a finely crafted Mazu statue, you’ll think of the story behind this ancient goddess’s modern “ID.”
Share and Spread the Magic of Mazu Culture
If you’re captivated by Mazu’s story and her modern identity, feel free to share this article with your friends and spread the word about this legendary sea goddess and the rich culture behind her.
