Taipei's Baosheng Cultural Festival Culminates with Fiery 'Fire Lion' Ritual Amidst Rain

The annual Baosheng Cultural Festival in Taipei's Dadaocheng, a tradition spanning 33 years, reached its zenith with the spectacular "Setting the Fire Lion Ablaze" ceremony. Despite a downpour, hundreds gathered to participate in this deeply rooted folk ritual, a testament to the enduring power of Taiwanese popular belief.

The ceremony, a unique blend of traditional paper effigies, modern fireworks, and the explosive energy of "feng pao" (firecrackers), saw a magnificent fire lion set ablaze. As fireworks erupted from its belly, illuminating the night sky, the lion was consumed by flames, symbolizing the dissipation of plagues and ill fortune. This act of catharsis embodies the collective wishes of the people for peace, health, and blessings.

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The "Setting the Fire Lion Ablaze" ritual originates from early plague events. In the Qing Dynasty, when people were helpless against epidemics and medical treatment was not advanced, they often turned to gods for help. Thus, through the "Setting the Fire Lion Ablaze" ritual, they hoped the plague would quickly leave.

As explained by folk expert Professor Lin Mao-hsien, the "Setting the Fire Lion Ablaze" ritual has historical roots in combating epidemics. In eras past, when medical science was rudimentary, communities turned to spiritual means to ward off disease. Variations like "setting fire horses" or "setting fire ducks" were employed, each symbolizing swiftness or suppression of the plague.

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Setting fire horses were used because horses are the fastest, hoping the plague would leave quickly. During the Japanese occupation period, Bao'an Temple had "setting fire ducks," as ducks have the meaning of suppression, also hoping to suppress the plague.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Lin noted a practical, almost scientific, basis for the ritual. The combustion of gunpowder in firecrackers releases heat, possessing inherent disinfectant and sterilizing properties. This connection between loud, explosive folk activities and plague prevention is seen in other Taiwanese traditions, such as the Yanshui Firecracker Festival and Houlung's Cannon City event.

Today, the Baosheng Cultural Festival is more than just a vibrant temple fair. It's a multifaceted cultural event recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Taipei City and an international tourism activity. The festival, extending until June 16th, incorporates a wide array of activities, from traditional arts performances like drum troupes and lion dances to static exhibitions, lectures, and even community services like scholarships and health check-ups, demonstrating its evolution into a dynamic center of local faith and community engagement.

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When setting off firecrackers, there is nitric acid and sulfur. When it explodes, it produces high temperatures, which have disinfecting and sterilizing effects.