Returning from Fengshan Temple, the General traveled back to the village by boat. Once ashore, the procession continued through the village until the General was finally returned to its place inside the hall.
Carrying the General Parade in Dongshan, Suzhou — Part II
As the Generals from villages across Dongshan gathered at Fengshan Temple, the celebrations in the square grew livelier. I did have a chance to go ashore. Although our boat was squeezed against the edge of the waterway, I probably could have made my way across the neighboring boats and found a way onto land.
A friend reminded me, however, that I would still have to find the boat from our own village for the return journey. If I boarded the wrong one, I might end up being taken back to another village.
In the end, we decided to stay on the boat. Since that was the choice, I might as well concentrate on photographing what was in front of me. Sometimes photography is also about choosing what to let go.
At last, it was almost time to head back. By then the sky was fully bright, and I ended up taking more photographs for this part of the story. :)
终于回程了。我看到这条船上穿着统一服装的人们开心地笑着，赶忙拍下了这个瞬间。At last, it was time to head back. I saw the people on this boat, dressed in matching outfits and smiling happily, and quickly captured the moment.船队开始陆续往回走，桥上仍然挤满了人。The boats began making their way back one after another, while the bridge was still packed with people.一位老者趴在广告牌上，对着镜头微笑。广告牌上写着“风调雨顺，一方平安”。An elderly man leaned against a signboard and smiled at the camera. The words on it wished for favorable weather and peace for the community.一群老太太靠在宣传茶叶的广告牌旁，举着欢庆的饰物，自成一片风景。A group of elderly women gathered beside a tea advertisement, holding festive decorations and creating a scene of their own.热闹的欢庆仪式已经结束，回程中船上的两位舵手露出了轻松的笑容。The lively celebrations were over, and the two helmsmen on the return journey finally relaxed into smiles.船队浩浩荡荡地往回赶。The long procession of boats headed back together.船上的两位老人也放松下来，拉起了家常。Two elderly men on the boat relaxed and began chatting about everyday things.船头的撑篙人举着竹竿，悠然地望着前方。At the bow, the boatman held his bamboo pole and gazed calmly ahead.已经到了村口的河道，马上就要靠岸了。We had reached the waterway at the entrance to the village and were about to come ashore.男人们围在猛将周围，准备把它抬起来。The men gathered around the General, preparing to lift it.小心头顶！众人撑起篷帘，让猛将出来。Mind the head! Everyone lifted the canopy to make room for the General to come out.猛将被众人抬上岸。The General was carried ashore.上岸后，众人将猛将安放在特制的带滚轮架子上。Once ashore, the General was placed on a specially made wheeled frame.村口燃起鞭炮迎接。在烟雾中，村民簇拥着猛将，开始进村巡游。Firecrackers were set off at the village entrance to welcome the General home. Through the smoke, villagers gathered around it and began the procession through the village.猛将仍然叼着香烟，俯瞰人世间。The General still had a cigarette in its mouth, looking down upon the human world.猛将巡游在乡村街道上。The General made its way through the village streets.经过的人家门口仍然摆着供品，迎接猛将归来。Offerings were still laid out at the doorways of homes along the route, welcoming the General's return.猛将经过时，一位老人连忙点燃“元宝”，祈求平安好运。As the General passed, an elderly man hurried to burn paper ingots, praying for peace and good fortune.巡游队伍最后经过一段狭窄的小巷。Near the end of the procession, the group passed through a narrow alley.猛将终于回到堂口了。The General finally returned to the hall.众人一起将猛将抬入堂内正位。Together, the men carried the General inside and returned it to its proper place.回到正位后，猛将独自坐着。Back in its proper place, the General sat alone.一位老者将点燃的蜡烛插在烛架上祈福。An elderly man placed a lit candle in the stand and prayed for blessings.猛将已经归位，有村民开始跪拜。With the General back in place, villagers began to kneel in worship.两位管理者正在收起猛将堂的门板，一位老人在旁边看着。Two caretakers began putting away the removable door panels of the General's hall, while an elderly man watched nearby.
