ExplainerChina’s Baobao Festival: parents pursue strangers in parks to find godfathers for their children
- 300-year-old custom began during Qing dynasty and continues today, parents seek out godfathers at crowded event with help of matchmakers
A traditional Chinese custom known as la bao bao in which people visit parks to find strangers to be godfathers for their children is believed to bring good health and has been popular for centuries.
The tradition which is prevalent in Guanghan, Sichuan province in southwestern China, is known as the Baobao Festival and is usually held on the 16th day of the first lunar month. Bao bao means godfather in Sichuan’s dialect.
Here the Post takes a closer look at the custom.
Origins
The 300-year-old custom dates back to the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) and evolved from the tradition of “roaming to cure all illnesses”.
After celebrating the Lantern Festival which is on the fifth day of the first lunar month, people would dress in festive attire and go out for the day.
The belief was that “roaming around” would ward off illnesses and bring good luck and prosperity.
Legend has it that during one such outing, a mother and daughter encountered some ruffians who tried to harass the daughter.
