Perspectives: Shun-wei Huang: Part of the meaning of “Shenjiang” came from other religions, such as Taoism and Buddhism. The purpose of the Shenjiang existence is to protect people. Their job is to expel demons and maintain satisfaction and happiness in every family. This is the mission of gods. Shenjiang is under their main god’s command. For example, Shancai and Longnu are under the command of Guanyin Buddha in Yonglien Temple. Their job is to not only expel demons but also give us a chance to repent. Repentance gives us a good life. |
|
Kuan-ting Ho: When a main god is on patrol tour, Shenjiang walk in front to expel demons. In the past, Luzhou Shenjiang statues were attached to Xuanshe. The nine major Xuanshe in Luzhou mainly performed Nanguan and Beiguan music. Later on, as it got more difficult to recruit trainees, the number of Nanguan and Beiguan players became fewer. Luzhou Xuanshe were dying gradually. At the same time, the tall exterior of Shenjiang statues on every patrol tour attracted many young people to participate and learn. This evolved into today’s Shenjiang Association. |
Yuan-ting Tseng: In the beginning, in order to expel demons and pray for good fortune, temples made fake bodies and masks of dead civil officers and military officers to protect believers. There is one royalty and filial piety story behind each Shenjiang to remind believers to maintain good morality. Unfortunately, current Xuanshe use Shenjiang to compete with each other, and ignore the original meaning of Shenjiang statues. I hope this will not happen again. |
Ming-hsien Hsu: Shenjiang statues represent dead civil officers or military officers who were upgraded to be gods or Shenjiang to escort major gods after their death. Shenjiang statues are not only our belief but also our culture. If people treat Shenjiang as decorations on a god’s patrol tour, they will not pay enough attention to our culture. The number of Shenjiang statues will gradually reduce over time and may only be seen in some specific places. |
|