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Ancient Chinese Ritual Uses Eggs to Diagnose Spirit Possession

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cai Zhuang Ke is a traditional Chinese practice where families seek egg-standing exorcists to assess suspected spirit possession.
The ritual balances a raw egg or copper coin on a mirror while chanting a deceased person's name.
If the object stands upright, it signals spiritual possession.
The item is knocked down and thrown into water, signaling hope for recovery.
The practice targets young children with symptoms such as excessive sleep.

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Story summary

Cai Zhuang Ke is a traditional Chinese practice where families seek egg-standing exorcists to assess suspected spirit possession.
The ritual balances a raw egg or copper coin on a mirror while chanting a deceased person's name.
If the object stands upright, it signals spiritual possession.
The item is knocked down and thrown into water, signaling hope for recovery.
The practice targets young children with symptoms such as excessive sleep.