Guihai villagers of Guishan Island had worshiped Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, or Tin Hau, as their patron saint for more than 230 years before the activity was suspended in the 1960s. Since 1993, when the Song Dynasty (960-1279) goddess was re-acknowledged, delta residents have gathered yearly for daylong festivities.

Legend has it that a real girl, Lin Moniang, who was born on the 23rd Day of the 3rd lunar month, 960, always wore red clothing while standing on shore, even in the roughest weather, to guide fishing boats back home. After passing on, she became worshipped as a Goddess of the Sea.