Let general learning take root

Influenced by his father, Chang Shu-wu has taken part in the 624 pilgrimage and carried holy generals since he was a child. This gave him a sense of mission with regards to Daxi’s general culture. Despite his youth, he is determined to pass on and record the steps of the generals of Daxi and related skills. In his research he has found that the sideways kneeling salute is a step unique to Daxi generals and this made him even more determined to take action to record the traditions of Daxi.

New-generation takes the baton, new atmosphere in a 100 year old society

This year, the head of the Generals Section of 100-year-old Xingan Society is new- generation Wu Dai-hong, who is also representative of the younger generation of inheritors. Wu was exposed to Lord Guan belief from a young age. This year, the old generals have been repainted and restored and given a new look, displaying the determination within shetou to pass on tradition and for the young generation to take over the baton, giving new vitality to an old society.

Protecting the old craft on the generals

For the general carriers, it isn’t just a physical performance, it also includes knowledge of the entire culture and handicrafts, for example, face, crown and embroidered costume. One of their missions is assembly, disassembly and storage of the generals. The crown of General Chou Cang of the Gongyi Troupe was made by an old craftsman by pasting cow leather by hand. This skill is gradually being lost, which is why the general carriers carefully preserve the old handicrafts on the generals and repair the costumes as required.

Three Holy General Brothers, steps in life more determined

Carrying a general is the most arduous job in the pilgrimage teams. The Gongyi Troupe assembles many generals and places special emphasis on nurturing teamwork and feelings. Young Lin Wei-chi has taken on the position of head of the Generals Section. Not only has the original group spirit been continued, team cooperation also had added brotherly feelings, so they support each other more. The generals’ steps of the three men and their steps in life are firmer.

The whole family serves the God

The Gongyi Troupe’s Liao family are a microcosm of many Daxi families. From the Japanese Colonial Period to present, four generations have been members of the same groups; second generation Liao A-li was in the Holy Palanquin Section, third generation brother Liao Ji-long and Liao Ji-zong are in the Generals Section, while fourth generation Liao Guo-xiang is an incense burner cleaner. The family is united in serving the God.

Women Power Daxi’s only female general

The Yuebin Society’s General Guan Feng is Daxi’s only female general. Jian Jia-yu has carried General Guan Feng since childhood. General Guan Feng is lighter than the other generals but still hard work for a woman. After six years of training, Jian now has mastered the basic skills and walks steadily with an imposing air, while also adding feminine details to underline the fact that General Guan Feng is a woman. During the 624 pilgrimage every year, the Yuebin Society’s General Guan Feng always attracts a lot of attention, and this give Jian more a sense of mission to continue as Daxi’s only female general to the best of her ability.

Starting from zero, becoming the pride of Daxi

Lai Ming-wei has been attracted by local belief since he was young. He got his first chance to participate when he did night practice with the Yuebin Society’s Generals Section when he was at high school. In 10 years as a general carrier, his belief has actually strengthened as his knowledge has grown; he helps deal with matters big and small for the group and has begun to study beiguan music, aiming to learn as much as he can about traditional culture. Like many young people in Daxi, starting from zero he has gradually become the pride of Daxi people.

The generals made us give up our hearts for our whole lives

In Daxi, belief brings many people together. It is key for maintaining interpersonal connections. Motivated simply by a desire to do something for the gods and based on the idea of helping each other, group members complete the task of carrying the generals and holy palanquin. Chiu Wen-jun, Liao Chao-chou, Jian Sheng-hui and Wang Chun-quan are just like this.In over 20 years as group members their biggest gain is a group of likeminded friends and an always pious heart.

Responsible for each general

Of the 31 shetou of Daxi, Fushan Temple, which grew from a temple organization, is a new group. It enshrines Qingshui Zushi. Its four guardians generals Su, Li, Huang and Zhang and General Xuan guardian of Emperor Xuantian were all made by the founding elder Lin Hsi-an and Xie Yuan-ping.
Fushan Temple has its own ways of thinking in terms of system and operation. One general needs 3-4 people to take turns carrying it, consequently the temple developed the Superior system. During the pilgrimage, group members watch out for and help each other and take turns to ensure each general is in the best possible state.

Basic skills are the most powerful

Huang Jun-xiang’s grandfather was in the Generals Section of the Tongren Society, his father was in the Generals Section of the Qingyi Society. There were occasions in the past when the three generations were practicing with three different shetou in preparation for 624. He believes the most important thing about carrying a general figure is the carrier’s mentality. It is important to be respectful and practice the steps according to tradition, performing them to the highest level possible; this will produce the most power.

Destiny supported by the gods

The Xinsheng Society is a shetou that has three-story Fu-an Temple as its belief center. As it enshrines Mazu, the guardians are generals 1000- Mile Eyes and Far-hearing Ear. General Section head Li Zhao-ming has taken part in the pilgrimage from a young age and was a member of the Xieyi Society’s dragon dance team for years, later returning to his family’s Xingsheng Society. Motivated by a desire to serve the gods, he has felt their protection and guidance at every stage of his life.