Ba Jia Jiang () originated from the Chinese folk beliefs and myths, and usually generally refers to eight members of the godly realm. The general understanding of the origin of Ba Jia Jiang is that it is derived from the existence of eight generals who performed exorcism of evil spirits for the Wufu Emperor (五福大帝). These eight generals became revered as the gods of the underworld, and are represented as the bodyguards or attendants for the temples of the nether Gods such as the Dongyue Emperor (東獄大帝), Yama (King of Hell, 閻羅王) and Cheng Huang (the City Gods, 城隍). Gradually Ba Jia Jiang evolved to appear also as bodyguards to Wang Ye (Royal Lord, 王爺) and Matsu (媽祖), and at many other temples. Later on, believers at those temples dressed up as Ba Jia Jiang in order to defend the Gods. These actions evolved into Taiwanese folk activities, which are part of the Wu Array (Military Array, 武陣) in Din Tao (Taiwanese troupes, 陣頭). Ba Jia Jiang is responsible for the capture of ghosts and evil spirits, bringing safety and good luck, and providing protection. They contain a strong religious nature, and Din Tao (Taiwanese troupes, 陣頭) often seem as mysterious, threatening and serious. Some Ba Jia Jiang members have relations with Taiwanese gangsters. Name Ba Jia Jiang is one of the general troupes in Taiwan. 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. Therefore, it is called Ba Jia Jiang (The Eight Generals). According to different heritages around different actual situations, the number of Gods can be four, six, eight, ten, twelve or thirteen. The reasons these general groups are named either Shih Jia Jiang or Ba Jia Jiang are due to their heritages. However, nowadays the general media and the public sector call all the general troupes "Ba Jia Jiang". Compositions and responsibilities The number of Gods in Ba Jia Jiang or Shih Jia Jiang is not fixed. The more complete group is with a number of thirteen Gods, and it is also the common type of Ba Jia Jiang in Taiwan's temples. Its members include: Shih Yi (什役), Wen Chai (Civil Official, 文差), Wu Chai