In our exploration of Hong Kong we stumbled across an area under an overpass where there was a very heavy smell of incense and what looked like women beating something. Upon further investigation we found we had stumbled across an area known for “aunties” who preform traditional villain hitting ceremonies.
While the origin is unknown, it started as a way for farmers to drive away a mythical white tiger and prevent it from distroying their crops. As the tradition moved to Hong Kong in the mid 20th century, the villain moved from the white tiger to everyday people you encounter. When getting the ritual done you have the option to write down the name of a person who is pushing negative energy onto you. When the paper is beat, this will shut down the negative influence they have on your life. If you don’t have anyone you want to write down, the beating will symbolize the beating of general bad luck and obstacles, this is what both Clint and I chose to do.
There are 8 steps to this and the ritual starts first by lighting incense and candles. After than the details of your villain are put on the paper and handed to the auntie to beat. The paper shreds are then put into a paper white tiger and burned. It then transitions to brining you good fortune as the rest of the papers are lit on fire and waved over you and prayers for blessings are done. Lastly a pair of blocks are thrown on the ground and if they land a certain way it means the gods have accepted the ritual. They both landed in this way for Clint and I so hopefully all the bad travel luck for the rest of the trip is gone!
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