Siyi Xiao

The Red Shred

“拜神”(baì shēn, a ceremony tribute to different gods) is a tradition that plays a big part in my hometown. The ceremony can take place at home or in a temple. The place is full with red and gold, the smell of burning 冥纸(spirit money, offer to a deity or deceased person) and incense with people’s wispier. The painting depicts the scene of the ceremony after Chinese New Year. However, those traditions are slowly disappearing in my hometown. Its sad that soon it will only live in my memory.