Pat Ka Chiong

Pat Ka Chiong (Chinese: 八家將; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Pat-ka-chiòng) originated from the Southern Han folk beliefs and myths, and usually generally refers to eight members of the godly realm.

Gradually Pat Ka Chiong evolved to appear also as bodyguards to Ong Yah (Royal Lord, 王爺) and Matsu (媽祖), and at many other temples.

Pat Ka Chiong is responsible for the capture of ghosts and evil spirits, bringing safety and good luck, and providing protection.

The general groups are originated from Shih Jia Jiang (什家將) in Tainan Bai Long An (Tainan White Dragon Temple, 臺南白龍庵), and after spreading to Chiayi Ci Ji Temple (嘉義慈濟宮), the number of Gods in the array becomes four main generals and four Season Gods, that is eight members in total.

Their identities or surnames and stories have different versions such as General "Ang (洪), Lau (劉), Pheng (鵬), Kim (金)", General "Ang (洪), Tso (曹), Pang (馮), Kim (金)", General "Ho (何), Tio (張), Chhi (徐), Tso (曹)", "Png (方), Yeoh (楊), Ho (何), Sng (孫)" God, "Ho (何), Yeoh (楊), Png (方), Sng (孫)" God and many more.