Construction of the swing

Completion of the swing

Swing contest

　Date  : 6th day of the third lunar month in every leap year
　Place: Xuantian Temple, Chiayi City

      During the Qing Dynasty, when Chiayi residents suffered from drought and pestilence, a group of immigrants went back to Zhangzhou of Fujian Province in China to bring back the statue of "Emperor Xuantian" for worshipping with a hope they would receive help from the God. Eventually, with his blessing, the nature disaster eased. Meanwhile, the God made a prediction that the residents will live in peace if they set up a sail in the town. The villagers heeded this prognostication and built a huge bamboo construction in the shape of a sail in front of Emperor Xuantian's Temple. Eventually, the drought and pestilence stopped and, in an expression of gratitude to the God, the residents hold celebration ceremony every year and a bamboo swing contest in leap year on Emperor Xuantian's birthday, the 6th day of the third lunar month.

      The construction of the swing follows the ancient technique of using only bamboo and wisteria, without any nails or wire. The residents start to build the swing on the first day of the first lunar month. The construction is carried out solemnly and ceremoniously, with the builders choosing an auspicious hour and direction in that year. The swing is 12 meters tall and the step of the swing is about 2 meters high from the ground. Thus, those who wish to take part in the contest need to know first how to mount the swing without assistance.

       The participants can begin to practice for the contest after the swing is set up. The contest takes place on the 6th day of the third lunar month. It consists of a single-person and a two-person team competition, and also is divided into groups by age. There is no time limitation for the contest; the winner is determined by attaining the greatest height. The crowd is filled with excitement, cheering for the contestants as the swing goes up and down.

      This swing contest has been held for more than 200 years. Not only does it possess a rich historical significance, it also represents a folk activity combining physical strength, determination, and skill. It can be compared favorably with the "Extreme Sports" that are currently popular in the Western world.