Activity Outcome
Hakka Earth God bagˋ gungˊ birthday celebrated in Liugdui with traditional ceremonies
- Source:客家文化發展中心
- Publication Date:2026/05/01
- Last updated:2026/06/04
- Count Views:19
To celebrate the birthday of the Earth God (bagˋ gungˊ, 伯公), the Taiwan Hakka Culture Development Center (THCDC) organized a series of festive activities at Liugdui Hakka Cultural Park in Pingtung on March 20 and 21. The celebration featured a traditional Hakka worship ceremony, Hakka bayin music performances, a Hakka plate flower arrangement competition, and a community picnic. Through these events, THCDC invited the public to join in honoring bagˋ gungˊ, experience the vibrant traditions of Hakka culture, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Hakka settlement.
THCDC Director-General Hsieh Sheng-hsin (謝勝信) explained that Hakka people respectfully refer to the Earth God as bagˋ gungˊ (伯公), a term that literally means “grandfather’s older brother.” This affectionate title reflects the Hakka perception of the deity as a beloved and approachable family elder who safeguards the local residents, the village, and the land.
Hsieh noted that the celebration featured not only a traditional worship ceremony and Hakka bayin music performances, but also a variety of cultural activities, including a Hakka plate flower arrangement competition (tiab panˇ faˊ, 疊盤花) and a picnic gathering. Plate flower arrangement is a distinctive folk tradition in the Liugdui Hakka region. Local residents carefully collect flowers from their own gardens and arrange them layer by layer on round trays, creating floral displays as offerings to the deities. To help participants gain a deeper appreciation of this unique cultural practice, the picnic event also included a hands-on plate flower arrangement activity, allowing visitors to experience the tradition and learn more about the rich heritage of Hakka culture.
On March 20, the birthday of bagˋ gungˊ, THCDC held a traditional Hakka worship ceremony, accompanied by a Hakka bayin music performance by Dahuofang Art Troupe, which helped create a sacred atmosphere. Nearly one hundred kindergarten children participated in a plate flower arrangement activity, experiencing this cherished Hakka tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Held on March 21, the plate-flower arrangement competition featured three categories—conventional, creative, and experiential. The event attracted competitors and participants from across the region, showcasing the Hakka tradition through both creativity and innovation while providing an enjoyable cultural experience.
The THCDC noted that the picnic was held at the green space of Liugdui Hakka Cultural Park. Visitors enjoyed the park’s natural scenery by the pond, sampled food provided by the Center, and watched a variety of entertaining stage performances, immersing themselves in the lively and festive atmosphere.
During the Children’s Day holiday, a variety of exciting activities will be held at the park, including performances by the Brother Great Lion Family Puppet Troupe, Hakka-language quest games, and interactive exploration experiences. For more information, please visit the Facebook page of Liugdui Hakka Cultural Park.
