Chen Shisi's Faith and Customs

Zhejiang
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Chen Shisi Niangniang's name is "Jin Gu", also known as Jing Gu, from Linshui Village, Gutian County, Fujian. She was born smart and understood the mysteries at a young age. She was born on the 14th day of the first lunar month in the first year of the Dali reign of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty (766 AD), so she was named Chen Shisi. During her lifetime, she was worshiped as a goddess because she eliminated demons and protected people, and helped children. There are 12 Chen Shisi temples in Dongtou District, and Niyu Taiyin Palace is the oldest Chen Shisi temple in Dongtou District. For hundreds of years, worshipping Chen Shisi Niangniang on Dongtou Island has become a belief custom of the local people. Every year on the 14th day of the first lunar month, on the birthday of Chen Shisi Niangniang, believers go to the temple in groups to worship. The "Taiyin Holy Mother Chen Shisi Niangniang's Safe Tour" event held in Niyu every 60 years is unprecedented. The tour is usually scheduled around the 15th day of the first lunar month. First, the "Southern Tour" drama must be performed in Taiyin Palace for seven days and seven nights, the content of which is "Chen Shisi Conquering Demons", and the towns such as Damen and Sanpan are called "Singing Spiritual Scriptures". During the period, there is a very important ceremony "sitting on the golden altar". First, the golden statue of Chen Shisi Niangniang is taken out of the shrine and placed in the holy seat in the center of the hall. Then, a local elder with the most blessings is selected to sit on the "golden altar". The patrol team has about 300 people. When they set off, the horn is blown, the gong opens the way, and the salutes are fired. The whole patrol team is mighty and the scene is very spectacular. Wherever they go, every household is like the New Year or festival, hanging lanterns and red, lighting ground fires to welcome them, and choosing a square to receive the fate money and pray for the blessing of the gods. According to the old people, in the past, there were only 20 to 30 people on the patrol, but the route was all over southern Zhejiang, first through Lucheng District, and then along the rural towns and villages of Longwan, Ouhai, Pingyang, Cangnan, Wencheng, Taishun, Qingtian, Lishui and other counties (cities, districts). A patrol sacrificial activity lasts for three years before it is declared over. The route and duration of the patrol are very rare in China. Chen Shisi's beliefs are very rich in content. Actively guiding and scientifically managing them will be conducive to the construction of a harmonious society and have a significant impact on the great cause of national reunification.

Intangible culture related to the heritage

China tourist attractions related to the heritage