Bo Gong (Earth God)

Bo Gong faith originates from the Chinese reverence for the land itself. When Hakka ancestors crossed the sea to Taiwan, the first thing they did upon settling new territory was establish a Bo Gong altar, praying for the Earth God's blessing on their pioneering efforts. Legend says Bo Gong was originally a man named Zhang Fude, an incorruptible official in life who was generous and kind. After his death, the people honored his virtue by deifying him as the God of the Land. When Hakka settlers came to Taiwan, they blended their hometown Bo Gong faith with the local environment, developing unique worship practices. In the Meinong area, besides the traditional Bo Gong, there exists a distinctive form called "Li She Zhen Guan" (Village Official), which incorporates elements of Pingpu (plains indigenous) earth worship, reflecting the cultural fusion between Hakka settlers and indigenous peoples. The "Five Grain Bo Gong" in the Beipu area is especially revered by farmers during planting season. The total number of Bo Gong shrines in Hakka villages across Taiwan is incalculable — Meinong alone has over 300, likely the densest concentration of sacred altars anywhere.

Hakka worship of Bo Gong is humble and heartwarming, full of everyday charm. Daily offerings are simple — fruits, tea, or rice wine — while festivals call for the Three Sacrificial Animals and sweet rice cakes (nian gao). Hakka people traditionally visit Bo Gong on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, though the most devout go daily. The most distinctively Hakka ritual is "Doing Bo Gong Blessing" (Zuo Bo Gong Fu) — also called "Eating Bo Gong Blessing" — where village residents take turns preparing meals and dining together at the Bo Gong shrine. This is not merely worship but a social event strengthening neighborhood bonds, making it a vital source of Hakka community cohesion. Before and after farming seasons, families also specifically visit the Field-head Bo Gong to pray for or give thanks for the harvest.

The 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month — "Bo Gong's Birthday" (Earth God's Birthday) — is the most widely celebrated Bo Gong festival in Hakka villages. Shrines are decorated with lanterns and banners, and devotees bring offerings to celebrate. The 15th of the 8th lunar month is another important date, when Hakka people "Give Thanks for Peace," expressing gratitude for Bo Gong's protection throughout the year. In Meinong, a springtime "Bo Gong Village Patrol" event features devotees carrying the Bo Gong sedan chair through the settlement, praying for community-wide peace — it has become a significant cultural tourism activity. During Bo Gong's Birthday in Beipu, the celebration is combined with "Hakka Pounded Tea" (Lei Cha) experiences, inviting visitors to discover the warmth and uniqueness of Hakka Bo Gong faith.