搶孤(chiang3 gu) (II) (custom)

   

When the contestants reach the top of the column, they have to move their body towards the edge of the above platform by their hands, and then turn their body onto the platform by hooking their legs to it. This is said to be the most dangerous stage of the game, where many contestants fall. Back to the old times, there was no security such as a security net. Such an activity was dangerous and could be fatal.

In fact, the activity was so dangerous that I read there had been a time the Qing Government banned it. I’ve been wondering why people back then would risk their lives just for a competitive ritual. But after reading a documentary on World War II in the past few days, I think I understand more.

At a time of war or great immigration and land cultivation, people are facing death every day. The only thing they can count on is their courage and stamina. Those who are stronger, braver, and more skillful survive. The搶孤ritual was a showcase for the strong and skillful. When it came to the deities and ghosts, people couldn’t be more serious.

Back to the competition. After the first contestant reaches the platform, the孤棚, he sweeps off the cakes and cookies the “ghosts” have “enjoyed” down the platform to feed the poor and hungry.

The game is not over yet. After reaching the platform, the contestants have to race climbing up the pyramid-shaped column to cut the rope and grab the flag, 順風旗. Only at the moment do we have a winner.

Besides 超渡亡靈(chao du4 wang2 ling2), to release souls from purgatory, 搶孤is also meant as charity to benefit the poor. There’s no denying it is a challenge for people to hone their skills and strengthen their stamina. Somehow the repeating process of people slipping down the columns and climbing up reminds me of Sisyphus, the stone-rolling hero. What a metaphor of life.

These days in Taiwan, the ritual usually takes place in 頭城(tou2 cheng2), Yilan and Kenting, the northeastern top and the southern top of Taiwan respectively.

Of course there have been many variations in today’s搶孤 from that of the past. Security such as safety nets or suspension strings has been set up so that the contestants no longer have to take the risks our ancestors had to. It might have been made easier so that it won’t take so long. The point is to preserve the convention, recall our ancestors and have fun.

搶孤is only part of the中元普渡. There are other interesting rituals such as display of water lanterns that are worth seeing. It’s a pity that this year’s 搶孤wasn’t held as planned due to Typhoon Nanmadol, which had collapsed the 孤棚.

You may watch some brief introduction on this website to get a general idea of this activity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhJthjYxCb4

超渡亡靈=超渡亡灵   

頭城=头城