Mascot of the Tianheng Sea Ceremony.

Fishing boats ready to set out after the ceremony.

Dough peaches.

Offering sacrifices to the God of the Sea. by Jia Jiheng

On China’s eastern seaboard in Shandong Province is Tianheng, a small seaside village community extant for more than 2,000 years. A place where the natural seaside landscape is preserved and traditional customs maintained, here the fishing season begins in March. Upon the very important day of its commencement, the fishermen offer sacrifices to the sea and the entire community celebrates.

This community of village fishermen has remained here by the sea for generations. Praying for good harvests and safety, they believe that their welfare is guarded by the God of the Sea. Thus, offering sacrifices to the sea means much. Retained for more than 500 years, Tianheng’s tradition of sacrifice is part of a distinctive fishing culture evolved over the course of struggles with nature and the passing of centuries. The time-honored ceremony manifests the fishermen’s gratitude to the sea and their longing for a better life.

Tianheng people worship Ao Guang, the legendary Dragon King of the Eastern Sea. The dragon is the totem of the Chinese nation, and the Dragon King is the god worshipped by many fishermen. Preparations for the ceremony typically bustle with noise and excitement. Every household stays busy making offerings and celebration. Pigs, chickens, and whole fish are among the offerings – preferably black boars, big red roosters, and fresh sea bass. Varying dough figurines are made by the women; what the local people call “big bread.” All these are an indispensable part of the offerings.

On the day before the offering ceremony, the fishermen return to the port and tend to their boats. On March 18, on the beach in front of the Dragon King Temple, fishermen dressed in colorful costumes set out their offerings. When the chosen auspicious time comes, thousands of firecrackers explode on the beach, and joyful celebration ensues. Against the sound of the firecrackers, fishermen burn prayer letters asking the god for an abundant catch and a safe journey home. While the worshipping proceeds, the people of nearby communities and the fishermen’s friends and relatives all swarm to watch the ceremony. Other fishermen in nearby regions come to the Dragon King Temple to redeem their vows to the god. And vendors sell local specialties and handicrafts on the beach, attracting quite a few tourists.

After the ceremony, the fishermen usually host banquets at home, feasting with friends and relatives coming for the ceremony. On the second day after the ceremony, all the fishing boats again set sail to begin another year’s work.

For the people of Tianheng, the ceremony surrounding their worshipping of the sea is a carnival, full of color, camaraderie, and hope for the future.