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A vibrant melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, a world-class metropolis with skyscrapers and a bustling pace of life. Yet, hidden amidst this splendor, an ancient custom steeped in folk beliefs still thrives, attracting the attention of both locals and international tourists: the ritual of "punishing the villain."
More than just a superstitious practice, this is recognized as part of intangible cultural heritage, preserved and passed down through generations in Hong Kong.
People use sandals, shoes, clogs, etc., to repeatedly hit the effigy representing evil people in order to ward off evil and pray for good luck in the new year.
According to Chinese folklore, especially during the Jingzhe solar term (around March 5th or 6th of the Gregorian calendar each year), "evil forces" such as villains and the White Tiger spirit are believed to become more active, bringing bad luck and trouble. Therefore, "slaying villains" becomes a necessary ritual to neutralize these misfortunes.
This is a ritual performed by female shamans to ward off bad luck and trouble.
The concept of "petty person" here doesn't refer to a specific group but is understood more broadly, contrasting with "noble person"—those who bring good fortune and help. This reflects the familiar dualistic thinking in many Chinese folk beliefs such as yin-yang, good-evil, male-female, where everything has an opposing side.
During this ceremony, incense sticks and candles are lit to create a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. The "villain" is represented by a piece of paper bearing the name of the person being targeted.
According to ancient custom, the ritual of "beating the villain" is usually performed in locations believed to ward off evil spirits, typically at crossroads or under bridges. In Hong Kong, the area around Nga Ching Bridge, located between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, has become a famous "sacred site" for this unique ritual, attracting many locals and curious tourists.
By striking pieces of paper with shoes, people believe they can ward off bad luck and bring peace and good fortune to themselves.
To perform the ritual, the "client" seeks out "masters"—usually professional elderly women, also known as "spiritual healers." The process includes eight main steps: bowing to the deity, making a report, attacking the evil spirit, offering sacrifices to the White Tiger, resolving the conflict, praying for blessings, presenting treasures, and drawing a fortune-telling stick. Throughout the process, incense sticks and candles are lit, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere that attracts the curiosity of many onlookers.
This custom consists of eight basic steps.
While in the past, the main purpose of "beating the villain" was to bring good luck, blessings, and ward off misfortune, today, the meaning of this custom has expanded considerably. In modern Hong Kong society, with its fast pace of life and high work pressure, "beating the villain" has become an effective way to relieve stress and emotions. Many people turn to this ritual to release their worries, stress, and anxieties.
Despite the ever-evolving modern lifestyle, this custom is still maintained and cherished, not only by the local people but also by visitors from all over the world who come to see and learn about it.
Interestingly, for the purpose of relieving stress, Hong Kong residents don't necessarily wait until the Jingzhe Festival. Whenever they feel stressed or need to dispel worries, they can turn to these "little female spirits" to perform this ritual.
This is an experience not to be missed.
The existence and development of the "punishing the villain" ritual in a modern city like Hong Kong is a clear testament to the diverse cultural exchange. Hong Kong society not only acknowledges but also considers this an intangible cultural heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. It reflects not only deep spiritual beliefs but also demonstrates the adaptability and transformation of traditional customs in a contemporary context.
