What is the process of dragging the gods with salt stoves in Chenghai County, Chaoshan?

Salt stove in Hong Yan Town, Chenghai County, Chaoshan area is a natural village with a large population. The villagers live a life of "three farming and seven fishing". There is a peculiar folk custom of dragging idols in the village, which is rare in other areas.

Every year, the 21st and 22nd day of the first lunar month is God Wandering Day, so young people in the village need to be prepared to drag their spirits if they want to carry the idol.

In those days, all the strong men who took turns to carry God in parades had to protect God. Everyone has to fast, take a bath, clean themselves, wear a pair of newly sewn shorts, be topless, be covered with soybean oil, and tie the idol in a sedan chair with a rope.

When the god-bearer parades in the village, those who want to drag him will follow closely. After swimming to the designated open space, everyone shouted, and they scrambled to fight, trying to drag God down.

The strong man who protects the gods is very slippery because he is naked and coated with soybean oil. It is not easy to catch him. People who want to drag their feet will not give in and show their skills. You fight for me, you grab me and pull, you hold your waist and pull your legs, twisting into a ball.

At this time, the onlookers in the village were crowded with people, and some even rode on the wall and climbed onto the roof to cheer. Finally, we have to drag the idol down, so that we have to take off our faces, feet and hands, and then push it into the pool to soak, so that we can do it ourselves.

After dragging on for a while, I picked up the statue on an auspicious day, rebuilt the golden body and sent it back to the temple for people to worship and incense. It's so lively every year.