Pat Ka Chiong

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Pat Ka Chiong (Chinese: 八家將; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Pat-ka-chiòng) originated from the Southern Han folk beliefs and myths, and usually generally refers to eight members of the godly realm. The general understanding of the origin of Pat Ka Chiong is that it is derived from the existence of eight generals who performed exorcism of evil spirits for the Wufu Emperor (五福大帝). These eight generals became revered as the gods of the underworld, and are represented as the bodyguards or attendants for the temples of the nether Gods such as the Dongyue Emperor (東獄大帝), Yama (King of Hell, 閻羅王) and City Gods (城隍). Gradually Pat Ka Chiong evolved to appear also as bodyguards to Ong Yah (Royal Lord, 王爺) and Matsu (媽祖), and at many other temples. Later on, believers at those temples dressed up as Pat Ka Chiong in order to defend the Gods. These actions evolved into Taiwanese folk activities, which are part of the Bu-tin (Military Array, 武陣) in Tin-thau (Taiwanese troupes, 陣頭). Pat Ka Chiong is responsible for the capture of ghosts and evil spirits, bringing safety and good luck, and providing protection. They contain a strong religious nature, and Tin-thau (Taiwanese troupes, 陣頭) often seem as mysterious, threatening and serious. Some Pat Ka Chiong members have relations with Taiwanese gangsters.^[1]