What is the custom for Chaoshan girls to carry flags?

Chaoshan girls raise flags to welcome grandpa. The "grandfather" in Chaoshan area refers to the patron saint of a town or village (township), a national hero or a person who has made great contributions to the local area after his death.

Although Chaoshan people all speak Chaoshan dialect, there are differences in dialects in different regions. "Master Ying" is called "Master Ying" in some places. Although the names are different, they have the same meaning.

Flag riding parade is a traditional folk cultural activity that lasted for more than 500 years, and its appearance is closely related to the festival fashion in Chaoshan area in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Extended data

"Master" is the patron saint of Chaozhou, and the king of the three mountains should be the most admired person. Many areas in Guangdong believe in this "king of three mountains", mainly Chaoshan people. The main object of "welcoming the Lord" is "the king of three mountains" Of course, some places will add the land gods of their own villages and towns, or immortals like Empresses.

"Grandfather" refers to the patron saint of a town or village in Chaozhou. Generally speaking, every year in the first month of the lunar calendar, the villages in the town take turns to "bask in the sun" (equivalent to the temple fair in the north) to welcome the grandfather.

"Apprenticeship" is a ritual activity. Young people in the village will carry eight big sedan chairs and carry the master around the streets and alleys of the village. The team is huge. The team consists of flag bearers (raising flags), card players (placards), bearers and musicians. "Welcome the Lord" is to pray for good weather and peace in the whole village. When welcoming the host, the villagers can touch him with their hands. It is said that this will bring good luck and keep him safe for a year.