Youshen, a colorful traditional folk custom from southeastern China, has recently become a hot topic among online users and young Chinese across the country.

Literally means “Wandering Gods” in Chinese, Youshen is a folk tradition of rural Fujian and Guangdong with a history dating back hundreds of years.

As part of the custom, villagers would carry large sculptures of deities and hold joyful parades through the streets to pray for good luck. Wherever the parade went, families would light firecrackers.

The locals believed that by participating in this folk event, they could receive blessings from the deities to ward off evil spirits and avert disaster.

In recent years, more and more young people have joined the activity, which has helped to better preserve the heritage of this traditional custom. The youngsters have also added a touch of creativity to the clothes and headdresses of the deities by illuminating them with LED lights, for instance.

Even though Spring Festival celebrations have come to an end in most parts of China, Youshen parades can often stretch into the second month of the traditional Chinese calendar. The custom of youshen can also take place on other traditional celebrations to bring good luck.

One of the most popular places to observe and enjoy a Youshen parade is in Houfu Township, Changle District, Fuzhou City. The scale of the parade and the dynamism of the performances are among the most spectacular, with people from nearly 20 townships parading hundreds of deities from the morning until the early hours of the next day.