Why I am curious to learn more about the Empress dowager Cixi
Phoenix boat crew: 120 men to carry the boat and 62 men to row. One standing on the head to direct, and one at the end to control the boat and one man in the middle.
It was an extraordinary day for the hundreds who lived in and converged on Binhu to witness an authentic reenactment of the traditional Phoenix boat launching ceremony. From infants to the aged, all came out to watch the grand entrance and blessing by Xie Tangmo, a Taoist priest, followed by the trek through the narrow main road of town.

Flashing yellows, reds and greens, the din of drums, cymbals, and chanting lifted the spirits of the 120 men carrying the boat on their shoulders, some stoic and others cheerful, all villagers in spirit if not body, they were bringing to life the Phoenix Boat, once again prepared to take on its elder rival the Dragon Boat in a masculine dance for cultural superiority originally sanctioned by the legendary Empress dowager Cixi, who controlled the Chinese government from 1861 to 1908. An era of many rebellions and ruthless dealings, this event grew out of a Qing Dynasty dispute sometime during her reign.


With much grunting, groaning, chanting and sweat, the men lowered the magnificent long paddleboat into the dark green lake. There was laughter as a few of the men guiding the beast into the water lost their balance and landed with a splash in the shallows.
… and then as the villagers watched from the shoreline, the visiting scholars and other dignitaries socialized and looked on from a large, moored ferry boat. A few races were held between the Phoenix boat and a Dragon boat which had suddenly materialized. The good-natured competition was followed by a sumptuous meal, and several of the boatmen raised toast after toast to all and one another, and it was a pretty upright and relaxed affair…


It also turned out to be quite an extraordinary experience for the American visitor. Discovered to be the only non-Chinese person in sight, he took in all the spirit and energy manifested in sights, sounds and tastes in the embrace of general goodwill, cheer, and hospitality sincere and unconditional.
After performing ritualistic dancing and animated swordplay at an altar which included candles, giant incense, a plastic water bottle and a massive pig’s head, Tangmo tossed his sword over the American’s head; so intently was the photographer peering through a lens that he didn’t even notice this until he was reviewing video hours later. They smiled and shared a hearty handshake after the performance, two men who providence had brought together on this day—one as a keeper of tradition, the other a witness from abroad— the moment of recognition they shared was born in mutual respect and happiness in the unconditional gestures of brotherhood.

Without such celebratory ritualization, regardless of how misunderstood the origins are to either of them, is there a lack of faith?
