Zhong Kui Xi Fu [Photo/ntsfy.cn]

Zhong Kui Xi Fu which means Zhong Kui playing with bats, is a folk dance in Rudong county, in Nantong, Jiangsu province, with a history of more than 300 years. It is a combination of lanterns, puppets, acrobatics and dancing that originated from Chahe and Juegang towns in Rudong County.

According to the records, in the early years the county had a custom of “Xingdeng” which means lantern shows with puppets, acrobatics and dancing performance. At that time, the lanterns were offered by businessmen from all walks of life and large families. In order to revere the gods, entertain people, dispel evil, eliminate disasters, and pray for good luck and happiness, the lantern shows were held annually on the 13th of the first month (commonly known as the “zhangdeng” in Chinese which means lighting the lanterns), the 18th of the first month (commonly known as the “luodeng” in Chinese which means taking back lanterns), and the 16th of March (the birthday of Dutian Bodhisattva); all in the Chinese lunar calendar. Regardless of the cost, each family hired skilled craftsmen to make the amazing lanterns with the aim of winning praise and raising their social popularity. Against that background, Zhong Kui Xi Fu was created and handed down by the Fang family in Chahe town. In Chahe town, there was a well-known saying that the famous performances during the lantern shows were the “judge” of the Fang family, the “elephant” of the Zheng family, and the lanterns of the Cao family." The “judge” refers to Zhong Kui in Zhong Kui Xi Fu.

The story of “Zhongkui catching ghosts” is well known by the Chinese people. The people regard Zhongkui as a symbol of punishing and dispelling evil, promoting good, eliminating disasters, bringing blessings and peace, and standing for justice. He was also portrayed as an official, and his stories were adapted for operas to show people's admiration for honesty and justice and their pursuit of happiness and auspiciousness. In pictures of Zhong Kui, there are always five bats accompanying him. The “bat” is pronounced “fu” in Chinese, the same pronunciation as “good fortune”. This is the background of the folk dance Zhong Kui Xi Fu.