Story perspectives

Ancient 'Beating for Joy' Fertility Ritual Revived in China

1/15/2026

45 9

Summary

Story summary

Pai Xi, or "Beating for Joy," involved striking women with sticks to exorcise spirits and pray for conception.
The fertility ritual, also called Da Sheng or "Beating for Birth," originated in southern China, particularly Jiangsu and Fujian, during the Song dynasty (960–1279).
On Lantern Festival, women not conceiving within two years of marriage were chased through villages and struck with bamboo sticks, brooms, or wooden clubs, mainly in rural areas.

1 of 1

Story summary

Pai Xi, or "Beating for Joy," involved striking women with sticks to exorcise spirits and pray for conception.
The fertility ritual, also called Da Sheng or "Beating for Birth," originated in southern China, particularly Jiangsu and Fujian, during the Song dynasty (960–1279).
On Lantern Festival, women not conceiving within two years of marriage were chased through villages and struck with bamboo sticks, brooms, or wooden clubs, mainly in rural areas.