Mazu2008-262.jpg | Craig Ferguson Images | Editorial Commercial Photo

Zhenlan Temple, Dajia, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). One of Taiwan's "Ba Jia Jiang", the 8 Generals. Ba Jia Jiang are usually seen at temple and religious festivals throughout Taiwan. Ba Jia Jiang are protectors. They keep the evil spirits at bay or chase them down and deal with them. It is common knowledge to the audience that they are not permitted to smile; the fans they carry with characters written on them are to protect themselves from whatever demons may be floating around. They protect both the spirit mediums and the audience from darker spirits. When Ba Jia Jiang perform, they first paint their faces. This is called 'opening their faces'. Once their faces are open they have a code of strict taboos that they have to follow, including not eating meat; not smiling; joking around or chatting. At all times they must be very fierce and maintain their focus. nowadays Ba Jia Jiang are often associated with gangs, drugs and delinquent youth. Their image has been transformed from protectors of society into a menace to society.

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Filename: Mazu2008-262.jpg
Image Size: 2336x3504 / 7.2MB; Asia Asian Buddhism Buddhist Chinese Crown Dajia Dao Daoist Documentary Eight Generals Events Face Feather Festivals Fierce General Goddess Goddess of the sea Man Matsu Mazu Festival 2008 Mazu Pilgrimage Painted Face Parade People Perform Performer Places Protection Protector Religion Scowl Stock Taichung Taiwan Taiwanese Tao Taoist Temple Worship Zhenlan Temple deity devout eastern far east festival folk male oriental paint pilgrim pray prayer religious tradition traditional
Contained in galleries: Culture | Religion and Faith

Zhenlan Temple, Dajia, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). One of Taiwan's "Ba Jia Jiang", the 8 Generals. Ba Jia Jiang are usually seen at temple and religious festivals throughout Taiwan. Ba Jia Jiang are protectors. They keep the evil spirits at bay or chase them down and deal with them. It is common knowledge to the audience that they are not permitted to smile; the fans they carry with characters written on them are to protect themselves from whatever demons may be floating around. They protect both the spirit mediums and the audience from darker spirits. When Ba Jia Jiang perform, they first paint their faces. This is called 'opening their faces'. Once their faces are open they have a code of strict taboos that they have to follow, including not eating meat; not smiling; joking around or chatting. At all times they must be very fierce and maintain their focus. nowadays Ba Jia Jiang are often associated with gangs, drugs and delinquent youth. Their image has been transformed from protectors of society into a menace to society.