Sunday, September 13, 2015

The Dirtiest Contest in Taiwan



Taiwan travel information: Taiwan culture: ghost festival
The greasy pole. Photo: 彭智聲
Grappling with the ghosts


The 7th lunar month is the “ghost month” in Taiwan. The concept is similar to the Halloween without parties and slutty customs. And it lasts for an entire month versus the one-day Halloween, although some people extend the Halloween to a month long celebration.


Taiwanese people believe that the dead become ghosts roaming between Heaven and earth. 


Spirits without descendants to care for them are prayed to during Ghost Festival so that they may also enjoy the warmth of life among the living.


During the ghost month, people prepare offerings for the ghosts. Temples throughout Taiwan host various activities and ceremonies to pray for these orphan ghosts. 


There are also taboos in this month, such as avoiding dangerous activities because ghosts are now out and about to look for their replacement.


Among all, the Grappling with the Ghosts contest can be considered the most dangerous (totally taboo-averse) and exciting celebration. It is held on the last day of the ghost month in Taiwan. 


Contestants are formed in teams. The task is simple: contestants climbing on the 14-meter (46-ft) poles full of the black grease to the top plate form, and then climbing 30-meter (98-ft) bamboos to cut the flag off. 


Taiwan travel information: Taiwan culture: ghost festival
2015 Champion team forward, Photo: FTVNews
Hence it is also arguably the dirtiest contest in Taiwan. Champions are blessed to have the best luck in the next year.


This year the champion team broke the record, finishing up the greasy pole in 8 minutes and 9 seconds. 


The forward shared his secrets in the post-contest interview: his muscles. Haha. 


Do you think you can climb? The Grappling with the Ghosts contest is open to international teams!!  : )

Watch how it is done. 


Grappling with the Ghosts 2015 news in Mandarin, starting at 0:30





A well done 9-minute documentary in English about the ghost month and grappling with the ghosts contest.





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