煙硝與火光下的祝福—2024苗栗元宵火旁龍
火旁龍，火旁讀「ㄅㄤˋ」意即客語的「炸龍」，是苗栗特有的元宵慶祝文化。過程中龍隊會高舉舞龍衝向鞭炮中，因為民間流傳著龍喜歡吃火和炮，而神龍則帶來了好運與財富。故許多店家花錢「包龍」讓龍隊前來門口表演，並邀請民眾一同來體驗炸龍的過程，以期新的一年錢潮與人潮可以流向店家。
隨著店家公告的炸龍時間越來越近人潮也開始聚集，但周遭卻是異常地安靜，可以感受到空氣中蔓延著緊張的氛圍。突然間幾道沖天炮發出尖嘯，劃破寂靜直奔天際，火光在空中迸開預告著炸龍活動即將展開。炮手點燃地上成串的鞭炮奮力向龍頭甩去，霎時間炮聲四起、火光沖天，龍隊高舉著舞龍朝炮堆衝鋒，龍影在陣陣煙硝中若隱若現，增添幾分神秘而刺激的氣息。眾人的反應也隨鞭炮後炸裂，紛飛的炮屑與滾滾濃煙，帶來情緒與感官的衝擊，疼痛又刺激，危險又美麗。驚歎聲四起，目光尋著閃焰而去，人們定睛凝望著龍與火光，而我在鏡頭中看見他們眼神炯炯有光，那是被閃瞬美麗燃起的讚嘆與希望。
火旁龍—為苗栗新一年預熱的民俗活動，群眾在刺激、緊張與興奮中將煩惱暫拋腦後，也為商家帶來蓬勃的氣象，血氣方剛的龍隊青年們在表演與爆炸中證明了自己的勇武。人們在不絕於耳的炮聲下告別寒冬，在火光綻放下迎接春天。隨著煙消褪去一切都塵埃落定，人潮從四方散去，似乎昭示著新春慶典也告一段落，時間邁向今年的下個段落。
Blessings Amidst The Smoke And Firelight—2024 Bong-Liungˇ In Miaoli
Bong-liungˇ, which means “bombing dragon” in Hakka, is a unique tradition of the Spring Lantern Festival in Miaoli. During this event, dragon dancers raise the dragon and dash into firecrackers. According to folklore, the dragon enjoys eating fire and explosions, and meanwhile, the dragon brings fortune and wealth. So, many stores pay money to the dragon crews to perform at their doorsteps and invite the public to experience the bombing dragon, hoping that money and people will flow to the stores in the new year.
As the time drew closer to the bombing dragon, people began gathering quietly. Nervousness spread among the crowd. Suddenly, a few fireworks flew straight into the sky with a sharp zinging sound that ripped the silence, and the sparklers exploded, announcing that the event was about to begin. Few men lit firecrackers and threw them hard at the head of the dragon. Instantly, explosions were everywhere, with flames bursting into the sky, and dragon dancers raised the dragon, dashing into the pile of explosions. The dragon's shadow loomed in the bursts of smoke, adding a mysterious and exciting atmosphere. Meanwhile, spraying firecracker dust and heavy smoke brought a strong impact to the crowd’s minds and sensations. The emotions of the crowd burst out— the bombing dragon, such an event filled with pain, excitement, danger, and beauty. Eyes followed the flames, and exclamations rose. People gazed at the dragon and the shining firelight, and I gazed into their shining eyes through my lens. It was an admiration and hope that were raised by the momentary beauty of the firelight and explosion with the dragon dance.
Bong-liungˇ— a folklore activity that warms up a brand new year of Miaoli, masses leave their worries behind amidst the excitement, nervousness, and thrill, while also bringing prosperity to businesses. Additionally, dragon dancers demonstrate their bravery through this explosive performance. People bid farewell to winter amidst the continuous booming sound and welcome spring under the blooming fireworks. As the smoke faded, everything settled, and crowds dispersed from all directions. This seemed to announce that the celebration of the spring of the new year has come to an end, and it’s time for the next stage.
