The mystery of the dance
Chen Li-e, a teacher at China Junior College of Industrial and Commercial Management, who has studied the household generals and incorporates their performances in her dance classes at the college, not only greatly admires the virile strength and beauty expressed in their movements; she also says that as the generals perform entirely without any musical accompaniment, the changes in their formation rely completely on silent coordination between the dancers.
For instance, the tall and lanky General Hsieh whirls like a white crane spreading its wings opposite the short and stocky General Fan, who squats low and makes monkey-style kungfu movements. "Each of the dancers has a different character, and there is a dialogue between them," says Chen Li-e, going on to explain that the generals' movements and positions can be varied flexibly depending on the size of the space in which they perform. Whether in their make-up, costumes, the themes they stress in their dance or the mystique which they impart, their performance is full of things to delight students of dance.
Researchers with an understanding of yichen believe that the household generals' rich technique and sense of beauty, their authentic vitality and their sense of religious mystique can provide a source of inspiration for choreographers, painters and other creative artists.
However, as more and more of the beauty is lost from yichen performances, the displays most members of the public see exaggerate the bizarre and sensational. The problem this reveals is not one with the household generals themselves, but is symptomatic of the vacuous modishness and degeneration afflicting folk beliefs as a whole, in which form is exaggerated while content is impoverished. As the folk arts approach a turning point, rewarding and commending those groups which approach them with earnest diligence is surely one of the best ways to encourage them.
This is the last in the present series of reports on Taiwan's yichen.
[Picture Caption]
p.107
Led by a bailiff carrying instruments of torture, the spirit's ghost-catching squad sets off on patrol. (photo by Huang Ting-sheng)
p.108
The generals' colorful face paint not only enhances their artistic flavor, it also adds to their air of stern authority.
p.108
The household generals are a type of yichen with a deep religious significance. The troupe members carry weapons and instruments of torture pasted with amulets and spells, and they wear grass sandals on their feet. When their costumes and make-up are complete, they still have to "go through fire" (jump over burning spirit money) before they can set out.
p.109
The Eight Generals' Duties Positions and Costumes
Note 1: The generals' face patterns, instruments of torture and costumes vary slightly from troupe to troupe, but the costumes of the spirits of the four seasons are all based on the theory of the five elements.
Note 2: The information in this table is taken mainly from Huang Wen-po's Taiwanese Folk Beliefs. Table compiled by Ventine Tsai, mask illustrations courtesy of Chen Li-e, designed by Lee Su-ling.
p.110
On the eve of the City God's birthday, the Household General troupe from Hsiahai Temple goes out to clear his path of ghosts and demoms.
P.111
The strings of hardtack biscuits which the generals carry with them on their patrol are for members of the public to take and eat to ward off evil. (photo by Vincent Chang)
p.112
According to custom, once their face make-up is complete the performers should sit in silence with their mouths closed. But nowadays many continue smoking and chewing betel nut just as they please.
p.113
Influenced by shamanistic performances centered on mediums' drawing their own blood, household general troupes often use feats such as piercing themselves with steel needles to demonstrate their unlimited mystic power. (Sinorama file photo)
According to custom, once their face make-up is complete the performers should sit in silence with their mouths closed. But nowadays many continue smoking and chewing betel nut just as they please.
Influenced by shamanistic performances centered on mediums' drawing their own blood, household general troupes often use feats such as piercing themselves with steel needles to demonstrate their unlimited mystic power. (Sinorama file photo)