Macao, also known as Macau, derives its name from the goddess Mazu. In the 32nd year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, Portuguese people acquired the right to reside in Macao from the local government of Guangdong. They were among the first Europeans to enter China. Upon landing near the Mazu Temple, the Portuguese asked the locals for the name of the place. Since they were standing next to the temple, the locals responded with “Ma Ge” (meaning “beside the temple”), which led to the naming of Macao. In mainland China, it is commonly spelled as Macao.
