Such figures are used in big scale Taoist Rituals/Ceremonies.
In Singapore, rarely you can see such figures being made, only in certain common ceremonies such as 7 Month celebration, etc.
In Taiwan or Hong Kong, such figures can be seen quite frequently.
Dear Bro, I so enjoyed this group of pics. Were they taken in Singapore? Would you be able to add names to the various images? Some are obvious but others most likely unknown to most folk. Thanks so much, Ronni
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos......what kind of rituals are they used for? Would love to hear more details either here or at taoism-Singapore.....
ReplyDeleteMany thanks....Fabian
Nice work bro. Hope that your service spirit will proliferate to other younger Taoist generations all in the world. Wuliang shoufu! - Li Tian
ReplyDeleteThanks all bros :P
ReplyDeleteUsually such figures are used in Big scale rituals like Requesting blessing for the country or while an area being affected by diseases/disasters, Priests being engaged to perform rituals or ceremonies to get-rid of the diseases or disasters.
All the pics were taken in Taiwan in the late 70s and early 80s while they were performing a great ritual for requesting of blessing for the country.
Usually the Deities involved are:
The 4 main Generals: General Kang, Zhao, Gao and Wen.
The other Generals such as Thunder, Lightning, Wind and Rain.
The other Deities are, Mountain, Earth, Stream, Valley, Sea, etc.
The Ghost King (and Guan Yin) is needed too, cos the ritual of Salvaging of Souls will usually be performed for the surrounding wandering souls.
Five Ghosts, White Tiger and Black Dog figures added.
ReplyDeleteSuch figures are used to send off/burn off, in-order to get rid of mis-fortune, mishaps, bad lucks, negative energies.
Unlike the locals, pay respect to the 5 little ghosts for protections or fortune.
Bro... here comes the 7 month again... so was has singapore installed for this year??
ReplyDeletehow abt you? wad have you been up to
Usually during the 7 month, Singapore side will have small-scale celebration or offerings to the Souls at every-where and almost every where.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, due to our family custom, we will only do offerings on the 15th day of the month.
ic ic i am in Hong Kong now and guess what...
ReplyDeletethier processions are far and way bigger than what we have got ... the whole park is decorated wit the flower pannels... and its jsut simply awesome.. i'll try to see if iam to be allowed in and if i do i try to get some pictures posted...
Dear Bro,
ReplyDeletethis will be good if you can show us the pics :P
If I'm not wrong, they will have very big ceremony on the snatching or distributing of buns.
If you happen to come across, do take the pics hor :)
Bro, many of the figurines i have not heard of them before mind explaining who are they and their task?
ReplyDeleteThe 4 Generals -> the Heavenly Generals, to with-hold the peacefulness and order in the place of rituals/ceremonies.
ReplyDeleteThe mountain and earth deities to do the controling of any wandering souls and to summon or etc.
The reporting officers (usually riding a horse or crane) to send petitions or any documents to the various departments.
Paper Figure for the Reporting officer being added :P
ReplyDeleteamitabha... -_-
ReplyDeletedasheng
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