In East China's Fujian Province, the people of Fuzhou maintain a belief in the protective powers of deities that are referred to as "alternative" at the outset of the new year, as most Chinese will look toward a ruminant figure to welcome the Year of the Sheep.
The Global Times reported from the eastern region on Friday, where people seek to have their prayers answered by deities like the Monkey King.
Although mention of the Monkey King brings to mind the image of a demon slayer for the majority of Chinese people, due to a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel, the spiritual protector, also known as "Qi Tian Da Sheng," is embraced as the answerer of all prayers in Fuzhou.
Fuzhou resident Lin Yuemei explained that the Monkey King is one of a number of faith-based guardians:
"Many Fuzhou families have one [deity]-the God of Illuminating Sky, the Riverside Goddess or the Monkey King."
Lin said that the deities are "like a guardian angel for families," and are worshiped at the many temples and outdoor locations throughout Fuzhou.
A grand parade will occur after the advent of the Chinese New Year and the deputy director of the temple's management committee, You Xiang, told the Global Times reporter that it is called the "Parade of Gods" by the locals.
During the parade, a dramatic simulation of the Monkey King--represented by a statue the size of a child--is enacted, whereby the deity patrols the neighborhoods to bless the residents.
Tables displaying tributes to welcome the King will adorn the streets of Fuzhou, while the parade will eventually consist of up to 300 people at its peak. As the Qi Tian Da Sheng is both a Taoist god and a Buddha, all of the tributes are vegetarian, consisting of items such as fruit and tofu.