JIANGSHI
The Jiangshi (僵尸), often translated as “stiff corpse” or “hopping vampire,” is a prominent creature in Chinese folklore. These reanimated corpses are known for their stiff, jerking movements, hopping rather than walking due to the rigidity of death. They are feared as malevolent beings that feed on the life force (qi, 气) of the living. Unlike Western vampires, Jiangshi are deeply rooted in Taoist traditions and are more closely associated with restless spirits or improperly buried bodies.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance:
-Pale or greenish decayed skin, symbolizing death and corruption.
-Clawed hands and long, unkempt hair.
-Occasionally depicted with glowing red or green eyes.
Rigid Posture: Due to rigor mortis, Jiangshi are unable to bend their limbs or joints, resulting in their signature hopping movement.
Clothing: Jiangshi are typically dressed in traditional Qing Dynasty burial garments, including a mandarin robe and official hat, adding to their eerie appearance.
Talisman: A Taoist paper talisman with incantations is often depicted stuck to their forehead, either as a means of controlling or subduing them.
ORIGIN
Jiangshi are believed to arise when a body is improperly buried or the soul is unable to pass peacefully into the afterlife. Reasons include violent deaths, lack of proper rites, or unresolved grievances.
In Chinese belief, the human soul has multiple aspects (hun and po). If these aspects are out of balance, it can lead to reanimation.
An old practice involved transporting corpses back to their hometowns for burial. Legend has it that Taoist priests could animate corpses to hop back home, which may have contributed to the Jiangshi myth.
POWERS AND ABILITIES
Life-Force Absorption: They feed on the living’s qi, draining vitality and causing death or illness in their victims.
Enhanced Strength: Jiangshi possess immense physical strength.
Immortality: As undead beings, Jiangshi are impervious to aging and most physical damage, but they have specific vulnerabilities.
Limited Mobility: Due to their rigid bodies, they can only hop, which limits their speed and agility.
Supernatural Senses: They are attracted to the exhaled breath of the living, which can lead them to their victims.
Poisonous Touch: Some Jiangshi are said to emit toxic energy or possess claws that infect victims with deathly energy.
INTERESTING FACTS
Weaknesses
- Taoist Talismans: Paper talismans with written incantations can immobilize or destroy Jiangshi when affixed to their forehead.
- Bagua Mirrors: These Taoist tools reflect negative energy and can repel Jiangshi.
- Rice or Sticky Rice: Often thrown to ward off Jiangshi, sticky rice is believed to purify the area and counteract their malevolent energy.
- Rooster Crow: The sound of a rooster crowing at dawn signals daylight, forcing the Jiangshi to retreat.
- Sunlight: Like many undead creatures, Jiangshi cannot survive in direct sunlight and will disintegrate upon exposure.
