Incense burning and offering of sacred goods is also a part of the ritual. (Source: Chris Chan)
Villain Hitting is usually conducted by elderly ladies. (Source: Chris Chan)
Promotion posters can be seen around the Goose Neck Bridge area in Causeway Bay (Source: Chris Chan))
Scene of ‘Villain Hitting’ , a Chinese tradition, in Causeway Bay. (Source: Chris Chan)
‘Villains’ are symbolized by little pieces of paper with a man’s image printed on. (Source: Chris Chan)
Villain hitting (打小人) is popular local tradition is originated from the Guangdong area and its roots can be traced to Cantonese culture.
The ritual is often performed by elder ladies, who will use a slipper to slap the ‘villain’ – usually symbolized by a piece of paper printed by a man’s image. By hitting the piece of paper with a slipper, the said bad influence in one’s life will now be cursed. Anyone who has a ‘Villain’ in mind can entrust one of the ladies from the villain-hitting stalls for as little as HK$50.
The ritual can most often be found near the Goose Neck Bridge area in Causeway Bay, with the acts of mini sorcery attracting locals and visitors alike.