Bombing the Dragons

     “Bombing the dragons” was not seen in traditional Hakka dragon dance, except for the “fire dragon” in China. This custom originated from “welcoming the dragons” in Miaoli. Regular dragon dances at temple fairs or festivals seldom allow the crowd to throw firecrackers at the dragons. However, it is different in Miaoli. People set off firecrackers while welcoming the dragons to eliminate evil, receive good fortune and celebrate the New Year. The sound, light and smoke of firecrackers are deemed as thunder, lightning and clouds in the atmosphere. Splendid dragons rise and turn in the smoke as if they are mounting the clouds in heaven. With roaring firecrackers, dragon dance teams can perform more vigorously. It not only allows people to enjoy the beauty of the lanterns but also adds a lively ambience to the New Year.

        In early days, people usually set off firecrackers for fun while welcoming the dragons; large-scale use of firecrackers could only be seen in ancestral shrines and canteens. The real dragon-bombing tradition started in the 1960s. “Bombing the dragons” in Hsinkuang Fabric Mill in Touwu Township was a grand event at that time. Attracted by the mill’s 500dollar red envelopes, almost all of the dragon teams in Miaoli would visit the mill during the period January 15^th to 17^th. As soon as the dragon teams entered the mill, the staff would close and lock the gate until they finished bombing the dragons. Tens of thousands of firecrackers were thrown from all directions at the dragons in the courtyard. Even today, the participants still talk delightedly about the spectacular scene. This practice has gradually become the custom of “wrapping the dragons” in recent years.

        People in Miaoli believe that the more firecrackers they use to bomb the dragons, the more prosperous they will be. Therefore, “wrapping and bombing the dragons” has become very popular with stores there. During the Lantern Festival, numerous firecrackers are thrown from all directions at the dragons. The area is bustling with smoke, noise and deafening drums and firecrackers, bringing the crowd to a fever pitc, and the unique folk festival to a climax.

Dragon-bombing pictures

Data source

Many thanks to the Miaoli City Office for provision of photos and relevant text.

Contents also referred to the 2003-2008 Miaoli International Cultural Tourism Festival Proposal.

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