Beneath the Ngo Keng Kiu Bridge, a curious tradition unfolds. Ngo Keng Kiu Bridge is also known as Goose Neck Bridge. But locals know the area beneath it by a different name: the “villain hitting” spot. Here, they practice a ritual called “Da Siu Yan,” or “beating the小人.” This ritual is believed to ward off bad luck and misfortune. People come to Ngo Keng Kiu Bridge seeking to dispel negative energy. They believe hitting a symbolic representation of their troubles will bring them good fortune.
The ritual involves a paper effigy. This effigy represents the “villain” or source of their problems. A “villain hitter,” often an older woman, guides the ritual. The participant whispers their woes and the name of their “villain” to the hitter. The hitter writes these details on the paper effigy. They then place the effigy on a brick and strike it with an old shoe while chanting auspicious phrases. Sometimes, they smear pork fat on the effigy’s mouth, symbolically silencing the “villain.”
This practice is especially popular during the Hungry Ghost Festival in August. Crowds gather beneath Ngo Keng Kiu Bridge, creating a vibrant and slightly chaotic scene. The air is thick with incense. The rhythmic thud of shoes hitting paper mixes with the murmur of prayers and wishes. While the efficacy of “villain hitting” is debatable, it offers a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s folk beliefs. The ritual at Ngo Keng Kiu Bridge provides a fascinating blend of superstition, tradition, and community spirit. It’s a testament to the enduring power of ritual in modern life.