..... Traditions that keep fit .....

No 12.48

No 2.170

In the western part of the Fujian province, the village of Luofang is once a year the focus of the whole region.

A two-century old ceremony unfolds in two days of intense competition. Participants' fitness is as much on diplay as the tradition of the village.

No 2.135

No 2.133

Part of the Hakka Culture Festival, the race takes place on the 14th and 15th of the first month of the moon calendar.

This is the time of the Yuan Xiao (or Lantern) Festival, when thousands of spectators come to watch the 'Running Folk Tale Pageant'.

No 2.128

No 2.126

This so-called 'mountain village carnival' was originally brought to Luofang from a local official back from Hunnan province.

Since the Qing dynasty and except for an interruption until some years after the Cultural Revolution, the tradition has remained lively and attracts bigger crowds every year.

Hundreds of people are directly involved in the race, thousands are watching.

No 2.205

No 12.53

How it starts: Luo Zhiqiang and Luo Wenjie at breakfast. Today, they are not just two boys like any other ones. They are the chosen ones this year to personify the mythical figures up on the leading sedan chair.

Making-up the boys. Wenjie (on the right) will be the Celestial Official, Zhiqiang his supportive general, the most important roles of the pageant.

No 12.55

No 12.57

The make-up is derived from the local Opera style (West Fukienese).

Make-up and hairdress are almost completed, the Celestial Official is ready, waiting for his General.

No 2.207

No 2.204

The Celestial Official seems to grasp the importance of the day, while his General has pressing earthly needs to fulfil.

No 2.199

No 2.144

The particular sedan used for this occasion, called a 'peng' in Mandarin, before the frame is being mounted, in which the two boys are going to be installed.

The General doesn't look too happy, but he has to be patient: there will be a least two hours before he can leave his position.

No 2.200

No 2.143

The frame has been mounted. The Celestial Official, sitting on a saddle, is carried on the peng.

He is the first to be ready, while his General has still to be wrapped in the opera-like costume.

No 2.152

No 2.139

The pengs have left their respective starting points. Following narrow lanes between the houses, each sedan is carried through the village to the Ancestors Hall, where they will honor their forefathers before starting the racing competition.

No 12.44

No 12.45

A procession precedes the seven teams, with the "Umbrella of All the People" and an orchestra. The music is almost indistinguishable from the roaring of the firecrackers.

No 2.122

No 2.123

On the way to the Ancestors Hall: the inhabitants of the village are the first spectators. The fresh papers on both sides of the entrance show that the Chinese New Year has just begun.

One of the instruments played by the orchestra is the 'suona', a so-called Turkish flute.

No 2.151

No 12.42

One of the seven teams carrying its peng to the Ancestors Hall.

Not one missing: for a second only, the seven pengs are aligned in front of the Ancestors Hall. As soon as the last one has arrived, they leave the courtyard in a row.

No 2.182

No 2.196

Shaken back and forth, the costumes -and the children- have to show resilience for the time of the event. Regular controls are needed, implemented by a member of the team.

No 12.63

No 2.150

The mood of the Celestial Official's General does not seem to have improved so much. But Zhiqiang is just 8.

Another supportive general: stern look and gravity.

No 2.198

No 2.191

While all teams arrive in the courtyard located in front of the Ancestors Hall, the procession preceding them is performing a Dragon Dance within the Hall.

The event may well be hardly more than entertainment for many young people, but it still means more for elder generations.

No 2.183

No 2.167

Joss sticks and candles are burnt everywhere in the village. They are as ubiquitous as the firecrackers.

The event has brought the teams on the main square of the village, where they have engaged in tight competition.

No 2.173

No 2.160

After a few laps, dust is rising, but it does not prevent the teams to push forward. More than 200 kg, carried by 16 men in full speed.

No 2.174

No 2.176

Seen from this perspective, it seems that the sedans are losing their balance. Actually, the carriers just come out of a curve and have not stabilized the pengs yet.

The Celestial Official between Earth and Heaven... and in the dust!

No 2.189

No 2.190

After lunch, the teams have regained some strength and complete the event with its climax: down into the stream. From the Yunlong Shelter Bridge, they rush through the water to the border of the village, which is the end of the race.

No 12.52

No 12.51

A huge crowd accompanies each step of the pengs. Holding their hands the carriers struggle through the water. Just a few more steps and they have made it.

There is no award for the winner, the honour of participating is all.

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