The Origin and Significance of Xiamen’s Bo Bing Tradition
Origin of Xiamen Bo Bing
The tradition of Bo Bing in Xiamen dates back over 300 years and is closely associated with the national hero Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga). During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zheng Chenggong’s soldiers, stationed in Xiamen, would often feel homesick and miss their families. To alleviate their longing, Zheng Chenggong’s subordinate, Hong Xu, invented a dice game called Bo Bing. This game allowed soldiers to celebrate the festival and distract themselves from their homesickness. Over time, the game spread among the local people and evolved into a popular folk activity.
Rules of Xiamen Bo Bing
Bo Bing is a simple and fair game. Participants take turns rolling six dice, with the results determining the winners. A large bowl is placed on the table, and each player rolls the dice into the bowl, creating a jingling sound. Different combinations of dice results correspond to various mooncake prizes, such as the top prize mooncake (Zhuangyuan Bing), the second prize mooncake (Dui Tang Bing), and other mooncakes like the Three Reds Bing, Four Jins Bing, Two Jings Bing, and One Show Bing.
Significance of Xiamen Bo Bing
The main significance of Bo Bing lies in bringing joy and good fortune. Through the game, people aim to ease their homesickness and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Winning the top prize is believed to bring good luck for the entire year, as the activity incorporates people's emotional wishes. In Xiamen, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with great importance, sometimes referred to as “Little Spring Festival, Big Mid-Autumn Festival.”
Modern Adaptations of Xiamen Bo Bing
In modern times, the traditional mooncake prizes have been expanded to include various practical items and snacks. Participants can win items such as shower gel, shampoo, jelly, chips, and cola, as long as they follow the game’s rules. This evolution reflects a higher demand for engagement and fun in the Bo Bing tradition.
In summary, Xiamen Bo Bing is not only a traditional folk activity but also a cultural heritage and a form of emotional expression. Through the joy and good fortune brought by the game, people can experience the warmth of family and the harmony of society during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
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