Of all the weird and wonderful traditions we have in Hong Kong, this one is definitely up there. Whether you’ve had a bad day at work, couldn’t sleep because of a noisy neighbour, or have an ex who just won’t stop pestering you, the ancient Chinese custom of villain hitting (打小人; pronounced ‘da siu yan’ in Cantonese) might be able to solve all your problems – by metaphorically crushing them into oblivion with a shoe and some paper. Yes, it’s as strange as it sounds, so you better read on as we tell you all about it.
What is villain hitting?
Villain hitting is a traditional folk ritual practised in parts of China, in particularly Hong Kong and Guangdong. This ceremony involves creating a paper effigy that represents your ‘villain’ – be it your annoying coworker, a frenemy, or that guy/girl who ghosted you – and hitting it with a shoe to curse away the negative energy and bad spirits.
What is the process of villain hitting?
First, you will need to buy a villain hitting pack that usually costs around $50. Then, find a villain hitting stall and tell the hitter details about what, or who, it is that you want to get rid of from your life. Remember, the more specific the better. The hitter will then create a paper effigy and beat the living daylights out of it while reciting chants telling the bad spirits to basically bugger off. The effigy is then burned to symbolise the destruction of your problems. Some people will even put fatty pork on top of the effigy to ‘shut’ their enemies’ mouths before burning. Poetic, isn't it?
When is villain hitting performed?
You can go villain hitting any time of the year, but most people will do it during Jingzhe. Falling on the third solar term of the Chinese lunar calendar (typically around the beginning of March), Jingzhe marks the ‘Awakening of Insects’, when hibernating insects emerge as the weather warms up. According to folklore, the white tiger is called upon on this day to suppress demons and insects that bring bad luck and destroy crops. Hence, folks will also burn incense to the White Tiger in hope it will get rid of their bad fortune and pray for blessings.
Where can you go villain hitting in Hong Kong?
If you would like to experience this traditional shoe-based revenge, you can find professional villain hitters under the Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay.
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