Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. The Hakka are Han Chinese who speak the Hakka language.
During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon dancing teams participate as it is believed the more firecrackers thrown at the dragons, the more blessings that are given by the gods.
The tradition of Bombing the Dragon started in Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. The dragon dance is believed to bring blessings in the New Year. Since it was hard to see at night, firecrackers were attached to the dragons’ bodies and lit during the dance to create more light. People set off fireworks near the dragons to illuminate them more.
Shopkeepers also participated because it is believed stores that contribute to the dragon dance can be more prosperous. On the first day of the lunar New Year, the ritual of dotting the dragon’s eyes is held at Yucin Temple in Miaoli. Over the next few days, people will bless the dragons. People can also toss firecrackers at them. ‘Bombing’ the dragons is said to bring luck. The more firecrackers hurled, the more luck comes.
There are five events spread over several days:
