Pai Chang-Phoenix Singing in Dongshan, Inheriting the Beiguan Music

Pai Chang is one of the performance styles of a Beiguan band. It is a stationary performance, and the band's flags are an essential symbol in the performance. Pai Chang usually appears in temple festivals, where the sound of gongs and drums creates a lively atmosphere. Sometimes, only vocal music is performed, which is called "singing tunes."

Beiguan bands often compete with each other in Pai Chang performances. From a positive perspective, it is a showcase of their skills. As both sides' members put in their best efforts, the scene becomes more and more lively.

We were invited by the Dongshan Zun'an Temple to perform a Pai Chang there. The teacher from Yujing Yuan also performed with us. It was a rare experience for us to perform a Pai Chang together for the Dongshan Mazu's departure.

I once saw a video of a Beiguan Pai Chang in a wedding ceremony, and I thought it was novel and special. In Taiwan's tradition, the lively atmosphere of Beiguan music can make a wedding celebration joyful.

I have also encountered a Beiguan Pai Chang at a funeral. I heard from the older generation that in the past, before the era of smartphones and tablets, many bands would go to the funeral home to perform, so that the family members would not be too sad and get over their grief more quickly. Therefore, there were Beiguan performances or other band performances at funerals. It was also a way to highlight the social status and connections of the deceased.

So this is how the Beiguan music is played during funerals. Beiguan music is really integrated into various aspects of our lives!

The teacher also told us that during the mourning period, the shrine would be temporarily covered with red cloth to conduct a ritual of shielding the gods. It is mainly to allow the deceased to not have to worry about the gaze of the gods and ancestors. After sending off the deceased, there would be a purification ritual where we would play loud music and uncover the red cloth to continue with our regular life.