Ancient Fujian Ritual Burns Away Misfortune

In a burst of flames and tradition, communities in China's Fujian Province recently revived the centuries-old Wangchuan ceremony – a fiery spiritual cleanse believed to banish bad luck and protect seafarers.

Known locally as Ong Chun, this ritual involves setting a meticulously decorated wooden ship ablaze on the beach, complete with offerings like fruits, symbolic paper crafts, and cultural artifacts. Locals believe the burning vessel carries away misfortune 'like smoke in the wind,' replacing it with hopes for safe voyages and abundant harvests.

First recorded during China's Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), this UNESCO-recognized heritage (added in 2020) has united coastal communities from Fujian to Malaysia's Melaka for generations. The ceremony gained national protected status in China in 2011.

'It's like hitting reset for the soul,' shares 28-year-old participant Lin Mei. 'You feel centuries of history in the crackle of those flames.'

With its mix of Taoist symbolism and maritime culture, the Wangchuan ceremony continues to anchor cultural identity for overseas Chinese communities while fascinating new generations of travelers and culture enthusiasts.

Reference(s):

Ship set on fire at Fujian's Wangchuan ceremony

cgtn.com