Macau, a special administrative region of the Peoples Republic of China was formerly a colony of Portugal. Macau was in fact both the initial and final European colony in China. Macaus colonial legacy stretches back to the 16th century, when China permitted Portugal to create a colony in the area in return for eliminating piracy in the surrounding region. Portuguese control spanned over 400 years and the western style buildings in Macaus old city attest to the European influence.
The city enjoys a high degree of autonomy in many fields and its successful market economy has made Macau one of the most affluent cities in the world. Well established electronics, textile and toy manufacturing industries as well as significant revenues through tourism contribute to the citys prosperity.
The A-Ma Temple is the most ancient Chinese temple in Macau, dating to 1488. According to legend a Chinese junk (ship) was caught in a tremendous storm. A young woman on board the ship came forward and commanded the seas to calm down. Amazingly the seas immediately became tranquil. When the ship reached land, the young woman stepped out and climbed up a hill (todays Barra Hill); a gleaming expanse of light surrounded her and she was taken up to heaven. To commemorate this goddess A-Ma the temple was built on the spot on which she disembarked.
The A-Ma Temple compound is reached through the Memorial Arch. From there, pathways wind to the various shrines in the compound. The four principal buildings at the site are the Hall of Benevolence, the Prayer Hall, Buddhist Pavilion and the hall devoted to the goddess Guanyin. The Prayer Hall is considered to be the most important building at the temple. It is a granite construction with roof ridges and lattice windows, and is used for the worship of A-Ma. Stone lions stand guard at the various entrances. At Chinese New Year and on the birthday of the goddess many devotees congregate at the temple to burn incense and offer prayers.
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