Curses, ‘hit women’ and fortune-tellers

Summary

This documentary explores the mystical practices still thriving in modern Hong Kong, focusing on the ancient tradition of villain hitting, where individuals hire spiritual practitioners to curse their enemies. The practice, rooted in Cantonese culture, offers people hope and relief from personal misfortune. The film also delves into the role of fortune telling, revealing its deep ties to Hong Kong's cultural identity. Experts explain how these superstitions provide emotional support and help people navigate their challenges, while personal interviews showcase the powerful influence of these traditions in everyday life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hong Kong's modern facade hides deep-rooted beliefs in mysticism and spiritual traditions, influencing everything from its city layout to religious practices.
• 😀 Feng Shui plays a significant role in the construction and layout of Hong Kong's buildings, illustrating the city's blend of modernity and ancient beliefs.
• 😀 Villain hitting (Tasio Yan) is a traditional Cantonese practice where individuals hire spiritual practitioners to place curses on their enemies, believed to affect their luck.
• 😀 Villain hitting originated in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, tied to an ancient practice during the 'Awakening of Insects' festival in March, but is now practiced year-round.
• 😀 The cost of villain hitting is low, with services being offered for as little as 50 Hong Kong dollars, making it accessible to a broad segment of the population.
• 😀 Despite the ritualistic nature of villain hitting, its primary effect seems to be psychological, providing people with hope and a sense of relief from stress.
• 😀 An anthropologist specializing in Hong Kong mysticism explains that such superstitions give people hope and help them gain a new perspective on their problems.
• 😀 Villain hitting doesn't necessarily cause harm to the target but works by alleviating the anxiety of the person seeking the curse.
• 😀 Fortune telling is also a common practice in Hong Kong, with practitioners offering services such as face reading, palm reading, and readings based on one's birth date.
• 😀 People believe that their fortunes can change with hard work and a positive attitude, and fortune tellers offer guidance to help individuals improve their lives, especially in relationships and career.
• 😀 Despite being a skeptic, the protagonist of the video expresses that these mystical practices offer hope and encouragement, helping individuals feel better about their circumstances.

Q & A

What is villain hitting, and where did it originate?

Villain hitting, or 'tasio Yan' in Cantonese, is a ritual believed to place a curse on one's enemies to negatively affect their luck. It originated in Guangzhou and Hong Kong and was traditionally tied to the Awakening of Insects in March. Today, it is practiced year-round, with women offering the service for a fee.

How does villain hitting affect a person's luck?

The belief behind villain hitting is that it causes misfortune or bad luck for the targeted person, which can manifest in various ways such as health issues or misfortune. However, its primary effect is psychological, providing the person seeking it with relief and hope.

Is there any direct evidence that villain hitting works?

There is no scientific evidence to support that villain hitting has a direct effect on the targeted person. However, it works in the sense that it provides psychological relief to the person performing the ritual, helping them feel better and perhaps see their problems in a new light.

What role does mysticism play in Hong Kong’s identity?

Mysticism is deeply intertwined with Hong Kong's cultural and spiritual identity. From feng shui influencing building designs to festivals and daily religious practices, mysticism influences not just architecture but people's beliefs, rituals, and everyday decisions.

Why do people in Hong Kong practice fortune telling?

Fortune telling in Hong Kong serves as a source of hope and guidance. People seek it to understand their future or gain advice on their personal problems, such as relationships or career issues. It is seen as a way to gain insight and reassurance, especially in difficult times.

What is the cultural significance of the Wong Tai Sin area in Hong Kong?

Wong Tai Sin is a well-known area in Hong Kong, famous for its concentration of fortune tellers and religious practices. The area is deeply associated with spiritual beliefs, where people come to consult fortune tellers for guidance based on various methods such as face reading, palm reading, and birthday analysis.

How does fortune telling relate to a person’s character in Hong Kong culture?

In Hong Kong, fortune telling is believed to be influenced by a person’s character. It’s thought that the way a person behaves—such as their work ethic or approach to relationships—can impact their fortune. A fortune teller might offer advice on how to change negative traits to improve one's luck or fate.

Can a person’s fortune be changed according to Hong Kong’s belief system?

Yes, according to Hong Kong beliefs, a person can change their fortune by altering their behavior and mindset. For instance, improving work habits, being respectful in relationships, or changing one’s attitude could potentially bring about a better fortune.

What psychological effect does villain hitting have on the person who receives it?

The person who undergoes villain hitting may feel a sense of relief, as the ritual provides a way to externalize and address their frustrations or misfortunes. This can reduce stress and offer them a new perspective on their problems, even though there is no physical effect on the targeted individual.

How does the practice of villain hitting contribute to the understanding of mysticism in Hong Kong?

Villain hitting reflects how mysticism in Hong Kong is deeply tied to emotional and psychological relief. While it is not meant to have a direct effect on reality, it helps people cope with their fears and anxieties, showing how traditional beliefs evolve to meet the emotional needs of modern society.