North Wind God, Wind Chicken Introduction
In Greater Kinmen, the familiar figure is the Wind Lion God; in Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu), there are two unique symbols for wind suppression and evil expulsion—Beifengye (Northern Wind God) and Wind Chicken. While both are folk beliefs aimed at combating natural disasters, their origins, forms, and functions are independent, together creating the unique religious landscape of Lesser Kinmen. Beifengye, also known as Beifang Wang, Feng Wang Gong, or Black-faced Wind King, is the guardian deity established by the residents of Lesser Kinmen to suppress the strong northern winds in winter. The statue has a dark face, wears a python robe, holds a pagoda, and has a solemn expression facing north, symbolizing the calming of winds and protection of the village boundaries. The current Beifengye can be found along the road between the western part of Lieyu and Houzhai Village, and is one of the most representative local deities of Lesser Kinmen. The Wind Chicken comes from a well-known legend. It is said that Lesser Kinmen once suffered from years of drought, insect infestations, and wind disasters, leaving the people in suffering. One day, a divine chicken with a red crown and white feathers flew in from afar, bringing life back to the land wherever it stepped. In gratitude for its divine miracle, the residents began to place clay sculptures of Wind Chickens at the edges of villages or on rooftops as symbols of wind suppression, evil expulsion, and ant prevention. Today, in settlements such as Huangcuo, Xifang, Nantan, and Dongkeng, one can still see Wind Chicken statues adorning rooftops or village entrances, representing the unique cultural landscape of the Lieyu area.
