Fujian Deity Procession, as one of the most distinctive traditional folklore activities in Southern China, carries the reverence of the Fujian people for deities and their aspirations for a better life. Every Spring Festival, from the first to the seventeenth day of the lunar month, grand deity processions are held across Fujian. This is not only a feast for the eyes and senses but also an excellent opportunity to delve into the traditional culture of Fujian.
The deity procession originates from the worship of deities and is a parade that integrates folk beliefs and cultural traditions. On this day, villagers will bring the deity statues out of the temple, place them in sedan chairs, and then carry them through the streets and alleys to receive the incense worship of the people. During the event, gongs and drums resound, firecrackers crackle, and folk performances such as dragon and lion dances take turns to enliven the atmosphere, creating a lively and joyful ambiance.
Deity processions are held in places like Quanzhou, Fuzhou, and Changle.
The procession typically consists of three main stages: inviting the deity out of the temple, the parade itself, and returning the deity to the temple.
- Inviting the Deity Out of the Temple
Before the event begins, villagers will seek the deity’s consent through a divination method called “throwing divination blocks” (also known as “cup divination”). Throwing divination blocks involves using two crescent-shaped wooden blocks to ask the deity, “Do you agree to leave the temple for the procession?” If three times in a row the result is one side up and one side down, known as a “holy cup,” it signifies the deity’s approval to proceed. If both blocks land face up, a “smiling cup,” the divination must be repeated; whereas if both land face down, a “negative cup,” it indicates the deity’s refusal. Once a “holy cup” is obtained, villagers will quickly and orderly bring the deity statue out of the temple. The faster the action, the more pleased the deity is believed to be.
2. The Parade
The parade is the core of the deity procession. The procession typically consists of the following elements:
Path-clearing Deity “Coachman”: Leading the way with a riding whip, imitating the posture of riding a horse, running and jumping back and forth, and lashing to clear obstacles.
Divine Attendants “Child Deities”: Following closely behind, symbolizing the deity’s attendants.
Generals and “Heir Group”: Marching solemnly, exorcising evil along the streets, and receiving the incense worship of the people.
Artistic Performances: Including drumming, dragon and lion dances, and heroic dances, which add to the festive atmosphere.
Public Participation: Villagers along the route will prepare offerings and light incense to worship and pray for blessings.
During the parade, the procession will travel through the village or streets, adhering to the principle of “no backtracking.” The entire event usually lasts a long time, often from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., or even later.
3. Returning the Deity to the Temple
After the parade concludes, the procession must seek the deity’s consent to return to the temple through divination with the blocks. If the deity is not yet willing to return, the procession will circle outside the temple until a “holy cup” is obtained. Once the deity agrees, the procession will quickly escort the deity back to the temple to be seated, marking the successful completion of the entire event.