Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The ornately costumed human centipede throne of Kinmen, which has been certified by the Guinness World Records, has long been a highlight of the Wudao Religious and Cultural Tourism Festival. This year, in addition to the centipede throne, another activity — the "Hundred Sons, Thousand Grandsons Centipede Formation" — has been added, along with the "Fairy Scattering Flowers" performance. These will take place on April 28–29 at the square in front of the Kincheng General’s Office, with free registration open to the public now until April 26, or until capacity is reached. Participants will receive a certificate after the event.
The Kinmen Centipede Throne, which has been certified by the Guinness World Records, has added the "Hundred Sons, Thousand Grandsons Centipede Formation" activity in response to public demand, allowing children to take part in this historic cultural event. (Photo provided by Kinmen County Government)
The centipede throne tradition originated in the Fujian region and was brought over to Taiwan by Hoklo people crossing the sea. It is now popular in southwestern coastal townships of Taiwan and often appears in folk deity parades, symbolizing the dispelling of evil, disaster relief, and the invocation of peace. Though called a centipede throne, the Kinmen version adopts the appearance of a dancing dragon to signify the good omen of dragon-blessed prosperity. In addition, the Kinmen Centipede Throne set a Guinness World Record last year (2011) as the "World's Longest Purely Man-Powered Shoulder-Carried Centipede Throne," featuring 200 costumed child participants, a total length of 176 meters, and nearly 1,500 accompanying parents and staff.
In this expanded Hundred Sons, Thousand Grandsons Centipede Formation, only 36 children can participate each day. They must be kindergarten age or older, between 100–130 cm tall, and weigh under 30 kg. Each child must be accompanied by two volunteer carriers upon registration, and parents or family members must stay for the entire event. The Fairy Scattering Flowers parade will feature two teams per day — one "Seven Fairies Meet the Cowherd – Period Costume Version" and one "Seven Fairies Meet the Cowherd – Modern Costume Version," each consisting of seven girls and one boy. Participants must be elementary school students, and those signing up for the modern version must provide their own costumes. Registration phone: 082-321547.
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