Detailed Introduction
Zhentou (Zhen Tou, literally 'battle formations') are the most eye-catching folk art performances in Taiwanese temple processions. Blending martial arts, theater, dance, and religious ritual, these troupes emerge in full force during deity birthdays, territorial patrols, and major festivals. With thunderous drums and masterful skills, they clear the path for deities, expel evil spirits, and serve as escort guards — making them the most visually striking element of Taiwan's religious culture.
**Origins and Functions**
Zhentou can be traced back to the ancient Chinese 'Nuo Theater' — performances in which actors impersonated gods and demons to drive away evil. After being brought to Taiwan, these traditions merged with local beliefs to develop into a diverse and uniquely Taiwanese zhentou culture. In temple processions, zhentou serve to clear and purify the route for deities, expel evil spirits along the way, entertain both gods and people, and demonstrate local strength and community identity. Zhentou are also an important stage for temples to 'compete' — the temple with the most elite troupe and best performance represents the most devout and united congregation.
**Major Types of Zhentou**
● Eight Generals (Bajiajiang) / Ten Generals (Shijiajiang): Taiwan's most iconic zhentou. Performers paint their faces with five-colored patterns, wear theatrical costumes, and carry various ritual implements (chains, torture devices, fans, fire sticks). They patrol with solemn, measured steps. The Eight Generals represent officials of the underworld judgment system — civil and military messengers, Generals Gan and Liu, General Fan (Seventh Lord) and General Xie (Eighth Lord), and the Great Gods of Spring and Autumn. The face painting is extremely exacting, with each role following fixed color and pattern specifications — the painting itself is an art form. Tainan is the birthplace of the Eight Generals, with each temple's troupe maintaining its own distinctive style.
● Chief of the Officials (Guanjiang Shou): Originating from the Xinzhuang Dizang Temple, these troupes are as famous as the Eight Generals but distinctly different in style. Performances typically feature three people — the Two Generals of Increase and Decrease (variants of Ox-Head and Horse-Face) led by a commanding chief. Movements are powerful and forceful, with rapid footwork full of martial arts flair. The fearsome visages and wielding of tridents or ghost-head blades create an imposing presence.
● Song Jiang Battle Array: Inspired by the 108 heroes of the classic novel 'Water Margin,' this martial arts zhentou is most popular in southern Taiwan. Participants wield various weapons (swords, spears, staffs, shields, rakes) and form battle formations through martial arts routines. The Song Jiang Array combines martial training, community defense, and religious escort duties, with rigorous training programs and members drawn mainly from local youth. The Song Jiang Array performances at the Tainan Xigang Incense Cutting Festival have been designated a nationally important folk custom.
● Lion and Dragon Dances: Lion and dragon dances are the most festive zhentou in temple processions. Taiwan's lion dance blends the Hokkien style (smaller and more agile) with the Cantonese style (more ornate and powerful). Dragon formations typically require over ten people working in coordination, with the long dragon soaring and weaving through the air to symbolize the arrival of auspicious blessings.
● Electronic Neon Third Prince (Dianyin San Taizi): A uniquely Taiwanese modern zhentou that combines the traditional Third Prince (Nezha) puppet deity with electronic dance music and neon lights. Performers wear oversized deity headpieces decorated with LED lights and dance energetically to electronic beats. While this innovation has sparked debate between traditionalists and modernizers, it has successfully attracted younger generations and become a shining calling card in Taiwan's cultural diplomacy, representing Taiwan at numerous international events.
● Art Pavilion Floats (Yige): Exquisite 'mobile stages' built on parade floats with elaborate scenery, featuring live performers (often children) portraying historical or mythological characters, tossing candy to interact with spectators along the route. Tainan has the most developed art pavilion tradition, while Beigang Chaotian Temple's art pavilion parade is famous throughout Taiwan.
**Training and Taboos**
Joining a zhentou requires a rigorous training period. Eight Generals members must observe 'closed quarters' during practice — no alcohol, no visiting impure places (hospitals, homes in mourning), and no consuming beef (due to the connection between certain divine generals and the Ox Lord). After face painting, performers must not speak casually or eat before removing their makeup. These taboos ensure performers achieve spiritual unity with the divine generals they portray and avoid disrespecting the deities.
**Preservation and Challenges**
The greatest challenge facing zhentou culture is public perception. In the past, some zhentou groups became associated with gang activity, creating public prejudice against the tradition. In recent years, many temples and cultural organizations have worked actively to reverse this image, promoting zhentou in schools (through university clubs and high school vocational programs) and cultivating properly trained successors. The documentary film 'Din Tao: Leader of the Parade' (2012) brought this issue to the big screen, helping more people see the sweat, discipline, and cultural depth behind zhentou traditions.