North Wind God, Wind Chicken Introduction
Dajia, also known as Greater Kinmen, features the Wind Lion God as a guardian deity to ward off evil spirits, while in Lesser Kinmen, the deity is represented by the North Wind God and the Wind Chicken. The imposing figure of the North Wind God, clad in a black robe, stands alongside a white chicken, positioned on either side of the road, with the Guoxing Well, dug by Zheng Chenggong, located ahead. The North Wind God is situated along the road between Lieyu and Houzhai Village, facing north to protect the locals from the harsh winds. Known commonly as the Black-faced Wind King, the North Wind God is revered as the deity of wind. The residents of Lesser Kinmen, who suffer from the cold northern winds during winter, set up a statue of the North Wind God, depicted in a black robe and holding a pagoda scepter, standing proudly at the roadside and attracting considerable attention. According to local customs, the blood from the red combs of white and red chickens is believed to have protective powers against evil and to soothe the wind, while chickens are also seen as a means to combat ant plagues. Legend has it that when the residents of Lesser Kinmen faced droughts, pestilences, and devastating winds, a Wind Chicken suddenly flew in from afar, spreading its wings in a display of red comb and white feathers. Upon its arrival, the land was instantly revitalized, leading to the Wind Chicken becoming a unique element of local folk belief. To express gratitude for the blessings of the Wind Chicken, the residents have erected statues of the Wind Chicken on rooftops or near their villages. In villages such as Huangcuo, Xifang, Nantang, and Dongkeng, one can see mud sculptures of the Wind Chicken displayed outside.
