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    There are [10] photos and [3] stories about Taiwan

    The real thrill are the bottle rockets which are in every beehive fireworks set up. As soon as such a magazine is fired, the crowds start jumping around in the sheer excitement of the risky situation they have put themselves in. All around them is a wild combination of explosions, sparks, smoke and incredible noise. This is a scene which you rarely see, the rockets fly and bounce in all directions. There are only a few brave or foolish people who show up without complete armor from head to toe. A war zone is the only comparison. by: ongoing Views[623] The 'Beehives', as they're called, are racks made of wood or metal. Some are small and carried by two people while others are huge wheeled apparatus. All of them are filled with hundreds of bottle rockets. A number of them store large amounts of fireworks on the top which are set off vertically in the air either to create a monstrous bang or a feast for the eyes. Once the majority of the rockets are fired, the racks need to be cleared with water. There are always some unignited rockets left which may suddenly decide to launch on their own. These are very dangerous as the crowd has expected the 'beehive' to come to rest. by: ongoing Views[475] Some people prefer to keep a safe distance away from the happenings which is rated as one of the top 5 most dangerous festivals on earth. The explosions, smoke, noise and the hordes of unruly people indeed make it a highly hazardous place to be. by: ongoing Views[450] During the event, several processions with goddesses in vividly decorated palanquins make their way on pre assigned routes through the jammed streets. The God's are carried around town to bless the sponsor and location of a particular 'beehive rack' in the belief that it will strengthen the force of the fireworks to get rid of negative energy like illness. On the way they pass the hills of fire crackers, that's when they start to shake the palanquins wildly in all directions. by: ongoing Views[411] It is said that the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival originates from a cholera epidemic which broke out in the late 19th century and lasted for more than twenty years. In order to drive out the evil spirits and ward off the disease, the survivors invited the spirit of Kuan Kung, the Chinese god of war.The event takes place every year during the chinese new year, when huge crowds enter the smal town of Yangshui to celebrate what I call the biggest ongoing firework show on earth. From dusk till dawn, thousands of fireworks are shot mostly horizontal trough the peaked alleys. As mentioned, while it has its roots in driving away evil spirits that depress the locals, it has evolved into an explosive event of the
     
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    My Scholarship entry - Yanshui Beehive Fireworks

    Tuesday, 2 Jul 2013 | Views [324]

    A 'place' I have visited

    Tuesday, 2 Jul 2013 | Photo Gallery | Scholarship Entry

    Photography is my life, our planet is my home and nature is my passion. My camera is my constant companion and I always looking for the next moment of life to capture. I have a sincere desire to share what I see through my heart and lens with the world.... Read more >
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    Photos: My Scholarship entry - Burning of the King Boat

    Saturday, 12 Jan 2013 | Photo Gallery | Scholarship Entry

    Photography is my life, our planet is my home and nature is my passion. My camera is my constant companion and I always looking for the next moment of life to capture. I have a sincere desire to share what I see through my heart and lens with the world.... Read more >
    See all 5 photos >>
     

    Tags: boat, ceremony, fire, taiwan, taoism, tradition, travel

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