China rituals to expel evil spirits, bad luck – beheading roosters, utilising boys’ urine

Since ancient times, many Chinese people have believed that illness and misfortune are often caused by bad luck.

The Post takes a closer look at the customs and practices that have developed in China to ward off evil spirits and protect against bad fortune.

Fire jumping

Jumping over a fire is a traditional folk custom observed during the Lunar New Year.

Folklore has it that the crackling sound of a burning fire wards off evil spirits and bad luck.

The ritual begins by family elders setting fire to a bundle of straw at the entrance to a house. Men in the family then take turns jumping over the fire before stepping inside.