Xigang Chingan Temple Jishan Bajiajiang — 西港玉敕慶安宮駕前吉善堂八家將

Posted by on Jun 2, 2013 in blog, Taiwan, Temple Culture | 3 Comments

Xigang Chingan Temple Jishan Tang Bajiajiang

西港玉敕慶安宮駕前吉善堂八家將

The official escorts for Xigang Chingan Temple’s main gods, the Lords Qian-sui, who drive demons from the area and perform exorcism rituals in the village.

Bajiajiang, Jishan Shrine, Xigang District, Tainan, Taiwan

Bajiajiang, Jishan Shrine, Xigang District, Tainan, Taiwan

This bajiajiang (Eight General) troupe is locally based and positions in the troupe are often passed down from father to son. They can only be seen on procession with the Lords Qian-sui every three years for the triennial Xigang Boat Burning Festival.

The general in the front center is Xing Ju-ye (刑具爺), ‘Lord of Torture Tools’ as he carries the tools for punishing troublesome demons on two boards slung over his shoulders. Also called Shi-yi  (什役). The Civil Messenger (文差) is front right with unpainted face and Military Messenger (武差) is on the left with red face. Their duties include passing the orders from the gods to the generals. The eight in the back are the standard Eight Generals who complete the troupe.

Eight Generals

Bajiajiang, Jishan Shrine, Xigang District, Tainan, Taiwan

Their facebook page is here: 西港吉善堂八家將