Fujian ICH: Wangchuan ceremony, rituals and related practices

The "Wangchuan ceremony, rituals, and related practices for maintaining the sustainable connection between man and the ocean", a world-class intangible cultural heritage item, was inscribed in 2020 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is widely practiced in the coastal regions of Minnan (southern Fujian province) in China and Malacca in Malaysia. While sharing common elements, it also reflects local characteristics.

In Minnan, the ceremony is typically held every three or four years during the onset of the northeast monsoon in the autumn. In Malacca, it usually takes place during the dry season of a lunar leap year on an auspicious day. The ceremony activities can last several days or even months.

The heritage project is rooted in the coastal communities' shared folk beliefs in Ong Yah, a deity believed to be sent by the heavens to patrol the human world, offering protection and disaster relief. Those who died at sea are considered "good brothers" who become lonely, wandering souls. Thus, communities regularly conduct rituals, inviting the deity to patrol the community and take the "good brothers" with him.

The ceremony begins with people gathering at the seaside to welcome Ong Yah to temples or clan halls, while lamp poles are erected to summon "good brothers" and deliver them from torment. When sending off Ong Yah, they invite him onto a carefully prepared Wangchuan (a boat model made of wood or paper).

The community, accompanied by various artistic performances, escorts Ong Yah on a community tour, inviting the "good brothers" to board the Wangchuan and set sail with Ong Yah to continue his heavenly mission, ensuring peace and safety for all. This practice is locally referred to as "doing good deeds".

The Wangchuan ceremony exemplifies the sustainable connection between humans and the ocean and is regarded as a shared heritage by communities in both China and Malaysia. It has long played a role in strengthening community bonds and enhancing social cohesion, witnessing cultural dialogue along the Maritime Silk Road, and reflecting cultural creativity aligned with sustainable development.