Kismet Wood Throwing-Divination Cup(Red Paint)

The practice of Cup Throwing Divination, also known as Zhì Shèngbēi (掷圣杯) or Zhì Bēi Jiǎo (掷杯筊), is a folk custom in China, especially prevalent in regions like Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan. This custom has a long history and is deeply rooted in cultural significance.

1. The Origin and Material of the Cup Throwing Divination

The practice of Cup Throwing Divination can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties. In the Fujian region, Cup Throwing Divination is commonly used during important events such as weddings, funerals, housewarming, and opening new businesses, as well as in ancestral worship rituals. In the Chaoshan region, during the Yóu Shén (游神) activities, Cup Throwing Divination is an important ritual, often performed by the oldest or most respected person in the family, or someone chosen by the village. This practice is used to ask the gods whether they will participate in the Yóu Shén procession. In Taiwan, this traditional practice is still preserved in some temples and local communities, where people use Cup Throwing Divination to seek guidance and protection from the gods.

Initially, the Sacred Cup was not made of wood but of seashells, a feature that has led scholars to speculate that this form of divination may have originated in the southern coastal regions of China.

2. The Rules of Cup Throwing Divination

The main rules for Cup Throwing Divination are as follows:

• Preparing the Sacred Cup: Two crescent-shaped objects, each about the size of a palm, are used. One side is flat (Yáng 阳), and the other is curved (Yīn 阴).
• Requesting from the Gods: Light incense, bow to the gods, and provide your name, birth date, and the reason for your prayer.
• The Throwing Method: Hold the Sacred Cups with both hands in a prayer position, circle them three times around the incense, bow slightly, raise the cups to your forehead, and then throw them upwards, allowing them to fall to the ground.

3. Interpreting the Results

The interpretation of the results of Cup Throwing Divination follows certain customs:

• Shèngbēi(圣杯): When the cups land with one face up and one face down, it indicates that the gods or ancestors have agreed with the request, and things will proceed smoothly.
• Xiào Bēi(笑杯): When both cups land with their flat side up (Yáng 阳), it means the gods or ancestors have not yet understood the request, and the matter is still under consideration. A re-prayer may be necessary.
• Yīn Bēi(阴杯): When both cups land with their curved side up (Yīn 阴), it indicates the gods or ancestors do not approve of the request, and there may be difficulties ahead. It is customary to throw the cups three times to determine the final result.

4. How Many Times Should You Throw the Sacred Cup for Accuracy?

Generally, the Cup Throwing Divination should be thrown three times to ensure accuracy. This is a widely accepted practice in folk beliefs, where the results from the three throws are taken as the final decision on the will of the gods.

5. PrecautionsforCup Throwing Divination

• Maintain a calm and focused mind, clearly defining the question you are asking.
• Choose a quiet and private space to create a sacred atmosphere.
• Ensure the Sacred Cups are clean and intact; purify them before use.
• Show respect for the Sacred Cups and the gods; do not treat it lightly.
• Be rational about the results, avoiding over-reliance on divination.
• Protect your personal privacy and avoid disclosing the results of the divination.