Ba Zha | Ba Cha | Pa Cha
- Guardian spirit against locusts, grasshoppers, and cicadas
- Known as the 'Great King Ba Zha' in Chinese mythology
- Associated with agriculture and mythical deities
- Human upper body, bird's beak, claws, and wings
- Capable of catching harmful insects with a magical liquid
- Carries tools like a mallet, sword, or banner for summoning and imprisoning locusts
- Ba Zha Yeh, a related legend, living among dangerous creatures without harm
- Annual protective ceremonies in ancient China
- Wandering musicians beating drums and chanting prayers for half a day
- Charms distributed to villagers for home protection
- Possible connection with Liu Meng Jiang Zhun, another locust protector
Chinese Folklore and Agricultural Deities
Chinese Mythical Protector
A guardian spirit against locusts, grasshoppers, and CICADAS in Chinese folklore. Referred to as the "Great King Ba Zha," this entity is among numerous mythical beings associated with AGRICULTURE.
Unique Attributes
In the tales, Ba Zha is depicted with a human upper body but possesses a bird’s beak, claws, and wings. Interestingly, his lower body often takes on the form of a bell. Legend has it that he could capture harmful insects using a magical liquid.
Tools and Legends
Ba Zha is sometimes portrayed carrying a mallet, sword, or a banner employed to summon and imprison locusts. A Mongolian narrative recounts the story of Ba Zha Yeh, residing in a wild valley teeming with wolves, scorpions, locusts, and other perilous creatures. Despite the surroundings, Ba Zha Yeh remained unharmed and undisturbed.
Protective Ceremonies
Ancient China conducted yearly ceremonies to seek Ba Zha's safeguard. Villagers hired wandering musicians to set up a tent at the entrance of the village or town's main street. These musicians would beat drums and recite prayers for half a day. The gathered children and adults would then receive charms to place over their front doors.
Possible Connection with Liu Meng Jiang Zhun
Some scholars speculate that Ba Zha might be the same spirit as LIU MENG JIANG ZHUN, who also serves as a guardian against locusts.