The Soul Guiding Array

The Soul Guiding Array, also known as “khan-bông kua-tīn” in Taiwanese, is a form of parade formations unique in Taiwan, commonly performed during funeral ceremonies. It is prevalent in the regions south to the Zhuoshui River. The ensemble of Soul Guiding Array typically consists of five to seven members. The musicians and ritual masters are usually male, while the rest of the roles are portrayed by females. The performance happens around the incense pavilion, with the performers holding magical tools and engaging in recitation, singing, dancing, and various ritualistic acts like guiding souls, consoling the deceased, opening paths, and sending spirits peacefully to the afterlife. These performances reflect the prevailing folk beliefs in Taiwan, including “immortal souls,” “judgment after death,” and “karma and reincarnation.”

Introduction

The Soul Guiding Array is a form of parade formations unique in Taiwan, commonly performed during funeral ceremonies. The performance involves a storyline of guiding the souls to the blissful afterlife, character portrayals, musical accompaniment, and performing techniques. The performance takes the format of “lo̍k-tē-sàu” (an informal performance that traditionally takes place at temple courts) and is observed by audience, usually the bereaved family. Possessing the archetypical characteristic of theatre, the Soul Guiding Array is thus classified as a form of song and dance drama in additional to its religious purposes.These performances reflect the prevailing folk beliefs in Taiwan, including “immortal souls,” “judgment after death,” and “karma and reincarnation."

Origin

There are three main theories about the origins of the Soul Guiding Array. The first one suggests it originated from China; the second posits it evolved from storytelling, traditional opera, or folk performance to funeral rituals in local Taiwan.