Today is the birthday of the Lord of Earth, and the custom of "adding a child and carrying a turtle" is also launched in Liujia, Guiren.

(Photo by reporter Wu Junfeng)

[Reporter Wu Junfeng/Tainan Report] Today is the 2nd lunar month, the birthday of the land god. Liujiali, Guiren District, Tainan has continued the "Dangui" activity since the Japanese occupation period. There are only 6 households with male babies, which have been in single digits for 7 consecutive years. In the precious traditional customs, the fact of declining birth rate is also seen.

Lin Shixiang, head of Liujia Village, emphasized that with the evolution of society, after discussing with the local elders, households that have opened the door to give birth to girls can also bear turtles. However, this year's believers still focus on having children. Propaganda, so that traditional customs are also in line with the trend of gender equality.

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The custom of carrying tortoises in Liujia, Guiren is similar to the form of folk "Shenming Association". Members are listed in the list, called "Fufen". A total of 1 land gods are worshipped. On this day, please come out again, and the believers will celebrate the birthday together and share the joy of having a baby.

The birthday celebration was held at the Beiji Temple Square in Liujia. The believers prepared offerings of "red turtles", and the newborn boys were also brought out to worship, praying for a safe and healthy growth.

When the birthday ceremony came to an end, the owner of the furnace for the new year was decided by throwing a bamboo stick. Afterwards, the activity of "carrying a tortoise" was launched, some of which were replaced by fruit cakes and cakes, so that everyone could change their tastes.

Lin Shixiang led a team to distribute along the road, and the blessings were waiting to be picked up in cardboard boxes, baskets, buckets or washbasins. Although Kamei households drove by car, when they came to the alleys, the strong men in the family would ride iron horses or even trot. The distribution was carried out, the scene was enthusiastic, congratulations came and went, and the joy was overflowing.

The roster of blessings currently preserved began in 1939. Lin Shixiang said that due to omissions in the early written records, it is impossible to verify it. The elders believe that the origin of the custom of bearing turtles should be earlier.

Lin Shixiang also mentioned that there are a total of 118 households listed as blessings. In the early rural society, there were about 30 households who took care of turtles every year.

Today is the birthday of the Lord of Earth, and the custom of "adding a child and carrying a turtle" is also launched in Liujia, Guiren.

(Photo by reporter Wu Junfeng)

Today is the birthday of the Lord of Earth, and the custom of "adding a child and carrying a turtle" is also launched in Liujia, Guiren.

(Photo by reporter Wu Junfeng)