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A-Ma Temple
Macau's name is derived from "A-Ma-Gau" or "Place of A-Ma" and this temple,
which dates from the early 16th century, is dedicated to the goddess.
According to legend, A- Ma, a poor girl trying to get to Canton, was
refused transport by the wealthy junk owners. Eventually, a lowly fisherman
took her on board his boat. Soon, a storm came in and sank all the ships
except the fishing boat carrying the girl. Upon safe arrival in Macau the
girl vanished only to reappear as a goddess. The fishermen built a temple
to honor A-Ma on the spot where she re-appeared. The temple grounds comprise
of prayer halls, pavillions and courtyards built into the boulder strewn hill
and are connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens.
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