The celebration of 2015 “Da Zhong Wu(打中午)” will take place at Jiu Long Temple in Sincheng Village in Baoshan on March 1st. People have been looking forward to the celebration and the event seems even more celebrated than Chinese New Year by the local residents. Abundant delicious fares will be placed in front of the gate of the temple. The county welcomes everyone to the celebration and experience Hakka people's generosity.
County Magistrate Chiu says that “Da Zhong Wu" is the most important goddess pilgrimage in Baoshan. It provides a great opportunity for residents to meet, connect, and support each other. This traditional ceremony is only held in Sincheng, Baodou, Shenjing and other neighboring villages nowadays. To preserve and pass down this hundred-year-old Hakka tradition, the township office has expanded the event since 2011, inviting all the citizens to join the event each year. A second session of “Da Zhong Wu" will take place at Baosheng, Daqi Village in Baoshan Township at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 26.
“Da Zhong Wu" in Baoshan is one of the 12 major festivals in Hakka villages. It has a history of more than 170 years. Starting from 1820 to 1850, it was originally a ceremony to fight pandemic with the help of gods. Since then, Hakka villages have held religious pilgrimage every January 14th and 15th of lunar calendar. During these two days, households in the township prepare feasts at noon for the pilgrims and villagers, signifying "eating up and having a great year."
The route of the pilgrimage this year starts from Xin Feng Temple in Xincheng Village to the whole township. The pilgrims would walk through the densely populated area where stores set up tables to worship gods. The holy palanquin can be closely observed during the parade formation which prays for gods' blessing for the villagers. It shows the villagers' affection for the village and gods. Residents, new inhabitants, and Hakka societies would all join together for the annual tradition of holding feasts. It not only offers the celebration a blend of diverse cultures and flavors but creates an atmosphere of sharing. The celebration includes pilgrimage processions for the Lords of the Three Mountains, Mazu, and Baosheng Dadi. It shows the spirit of tolerance, respect, devosion, and sharing. The essence of Hakka culture is hence presented to the world.
After the event, most tourists would take a one-day trip in Baoshan, having a taste of local produce such as tangerines, bamboo shoots, olives, black sugar, and pomelos. There are also beautiful sceneries including Baoshan Reservoir, Baoshan Reservoir Two, Huilong Trail, and sunset in San Peak.