Fengdu Folk Customs and Festivals

Fengdu has always been an old town famous for its ghosts' customs and cultures. Therefore, there are many folk customs and festivals, worships and taboos relating to the ghosts' cultures.

Custom of Riding Golden Tigers

The custom of riding golden tigers is a spiritual custom of Han nationality (Han nationality has the largest population in China) which is popular in Fengdu. Generally, the statue of golden tiger is put in the back hall of Chenghuang Temple. It is a wooden-carved statue of a standing tiger varnished with golden paintings. People believe that the Deity Golden Tiger can tell the good from the evil. He promotes the good and eradicates the evil. Thus people pin their hope for justice to the Golden Tiger.

Birthday Celebrations in Fengdu Ghost City

In the old days, when people celebrated their birthdays of over 50 years old, their friends and relatives would come carrying clothes, hats, shoes, socks or candy and other food with them. The hosts would prepare a luxurious dinner for the guests. When the senior rich people celebrated their birthdays, the guests always brought with auspicious presents such as couplets, painted screens, plaques or china. Besides, they would also play gongs and drums and set off firecrackers. Apart from the feasts, the hosts would also gave each guest a bowl enameled with the Chinese character of "shou" (longevity) as a present in return.

Taboos in Fengdu Ghost City

In the past, many taboos existed not only in the grand festivals but also in the daily life. For example, on the first day of the first month in Chinese lunar calendar, sweeping the floors was a taboo, for it might sweep their lucks of wealth away from them. Ominous words were also not allowed on this day concerning that bad lucks might fall on them. On the day of Vernal Equinox, people were not allowed to go uphill to cut woods, in case that the dating birds might be disturbed. In the daily life, words like ghosts, evil spirits and demons were also taboo also for fear that bad things might happen to them. When people were at the dinners, they cannot stir the dishes too much with their chopsticks, which was regarded as badly-bred.

Temple Fair of Fengdu Ghost City

Temple Fair of Fengdu Ghost City can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. According to the legend, the 3rd day of the 3rd month in Chinese lunar calendar is the wedding anniversary of King Yanluo (King of Hell) and the Queen Lu Ying. Therefore, on this day of every year, the local people always come to the temple and hold temple fair. People come to offer incense and pray for blessings. During the temple fair, the countless candles are lighted. There are also many snacks stalls on both sides of the road, selling delicious and special local food. People flock into the temple and take part in the fairs actively. It is very hilarious and is a symbol of auspiciousness.

Folk Culture Festivals of Fengdu Fengdu Ghost City

From 1988 to 1992, five Folk Culture Festivals were held in Fengdu on the 3rd day of the 3rd month in Chinese lunar calendar. The festivals were held in the theme of punishing evils and promoting virtues, traditional cultures and tourism. After entering the 21st century, that is, from 2001, the Folk Culture Festivals are again held biennially. During the festival, many religious activities together with folk customs are held in Fengdu, which brings you a lot of fun.