In the early hours of February 12th, the Guoshi Village in Baisha Town, Leizhou City, resonated with the sound of drums and cheers as locals participated in a mysterious folk activity known as "crossing the fire sea," also colloquially referred to as "walking on fire."

"Crossing the fire sea" has a history of over 1,000 years, dating back to the first year of the Qianxing era in the Song Dynasty (1022 AD). At that time, the military official Kou Zhun organized the villagers to engage in this activity to strengthen their willpower, enhance their physical fitness, and embody the spirit of daring to confront the world. Following Kou Zhun's passing, villagers commemorated him by holding the "crossing the fire sea" event during the Lantern Festival each year.

Beyond strengthening the villagers' willpower, this event also stems from the ancient reverence for fire, serving as a blessing ceremony rooted in primitive religion. Participants walk barefoot across burning coals to receive a "baptism by fire," wishing for safety, good fortune, and health for their families while expressing their yearning for a better life.

According to an elder in the village, every year before the event, the villagers observe a two-day vegetarian diet, which greatly encourages and cultivates a spirit of resilience and bravery among the youth, instilling in them the willingness to face hardships.

The event lasts six to seven hours, with the fire-walking segment being the most exhilarating. Most participants are young adults, although there are also some elderly and younger individuals. Each participant walks barefoot multiple times until the fire pit is flattened. The entire process is marked by flying sparks and swift movements, creating a powerful visual spectacle.

Villagers who have just crossed the "fire sea" expressed their feelings,"Every time I wade through the 'fire sea,' my feet not only have no burns and pain, but on the contrary, I still have a feeling that I dare to go through fire and sea, and I am not afraid of any difficulties ahead. If I can walk through the 'fire sea,' I won't be afraid to encounter difficulties in life. Just like crossing the fire, I can charge forward without hesitation!"

湛江雷州村民“过火海”闹元宵

2月12日凌晨，雷州市白沙镇国实村锣鼓喧天、呐喊阵阵，当地正在进行一项充满神秘色彩的民俗活动——“过火海”，也俗称“踩火场”。

“过火海”至今已有1000多年历史。它起源于宋乾兴元年（1022年），当时的雷州司户参军寇准为了磨炼村民意志、强身健体，体现敢斗天地的精神，召集村民习艺，带领弟子举行“过火海”活动。寇准逝世后，村民为纪念他，每年在元宵节期间举行“过火海”活动。

除了磨炼村民意志外，“过火海”源于先民对火的敬畏，是原始宗教的一种祈福仪式，通过光脚踩踏火场接受“火的洗礼”，以祈求家人平安吉祥、幸福安康，表达出人们对美好生活的向往。

据村里的一名老者介绍，每年举行“过火海”的时候，村民要提前素食2天，很能激励和锻造年轻人不怕苦不怕累、敢于挑战磨难的精神品质。

活动持续时间长达六七个小时，其中过火海环节最为惊心动魄。“过火海”者，大多是青壮年，间或有老年人和少年，但每位无一不是光脚赤足且往返多次，直至将火堆踩平、踩散，整个过程火光飞溅、人影翻飞，极具视觉震撼力。

刚从“火海”中踏过的村民表示：“每次蹚过‘火海’时，脚部不但没有灼伤和痛感，相反还是有一种敢赴汤蹈火、什么困难都不怕的感觉。我自己连‘火海”都敢踏过，往后生活上遇到困难也不会畏惧，就好像’过火海‘一样大步冲过去就行！”

翻译｜洪婷
审校｜林佳岱
来源｜湛江发布