Birthday of Tan Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, Hong Kong

On the 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar is the birthday of Tan Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. Tan Hau is a very important goddess in Hong Kong because Hong Kong used to be a fishing village before becoming an important trading port and now a financial center in Asia. Tin Hau's birthday is celebrated to bring safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year. There are celebrations at Tin Hau temples in different districts in Hong Kong. Seafarers adorn with boats with colourful ribbons praising the goddess for past protection and praying for future luck. Boats are loaded with symbols of devotion, with offerings to the goddess.