As the Lantern Festival approaches, it's time for the annual grand event "Crossing Tongji Bridge"! What should we prepare before crossing Tongji Bridge? Here is some general knowledge and folk customs sorted out for you in advance!

Crossing Tongji Bridge is an annual grand cultural event in Foshan! This traditional folk custom has lasted for more than 400 years, which began in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty. On every 15th and 16th day of the first lunar month, every family in Foshan would cross the Tongji Bridge with the elderly and children.

At night of the Lantern Festival, numerous people flock to Tongji Bridge with friends or families. Each of them holds a small windmill and walks slowly across the bridge, speaking "Crossing Tongji Bridge, Troubles Go Away" to pray for luck and prosperity in the coming year.

"Three auspicious treasures" for crossing Tongji Bridge

The distinctive features of "Crossing Tongji Bridge" is to bring mascots such as windmills, wind bell and lettuce.

Bringing lettuce is a common custom of crossing Tongji Bridge. Lettuce(生菜) stands for getting wealthier in Cantonese. Tourists would take lettuce back home after crossing the bridge, symbolizing that the wealth has been taken back home.

Windmills implies good luck will come as back luck was blowing away. Meanwhile, wind bells have a good moral of bringing gospel after crossing the Tongji Bridge.

Taboos when crossing Tongji Bridge

Taboo one: One-way route

People are expected to walk one-way route, from the head of bridge(north side) to the end of bridge (south side) without any u-turn. Otherwise, it's unlucky.

Taboo two: Don't throw lettuce, cash or coins

Lettuce in Cantonese means "getting wealthier" and it is a must-have to pray for a great fortune during the event. Tourists should take lettuce back home after crossing the bridge, having the meaning of "bringing money home".

Reporter | Eleanor

Revisor | Eddie, Serena

Photo | Chancheng Release, Foshan Release