The Baptism of Fire: LIAO XIANG YU Documents Ritual, Devotion and Risk

At the World Grand Prix Photography Awards 2026 Autumn Season, LIAO XIANG YU received the Gold Award in Documentary & People Photography for “火的洗禮 The Baptism of Fire”. The photograph offers a distinct perspective on Taiwanese cultural tradition.

In the heart of Taiwan’s traditional religious festivals, the 'Handan' ritual represents a sublime collision between human flesh and sacred fire. Standing atop the palanquin amidst deafening firecrackers and blinding smoke, the practitioner acts as the embodiment of the deity, enduring the blistering heat to wash away misfortune and bring blessings to the community. This photograph captures that exact split-second of spiritual transcendence, where pain dissolves into profound devotion, and the air thickens with the explosive energy of ancient heritage.

火的洗禮 The Baptism of Fire 

"In the heart of Taiwan’s traditional religious festivals, the 'Handan' ritual represents a sublime collision between human flesh and sacred fire. Standing atop the palanquin amidst deafening firecrackers and blinding smoke, the practitioner acts as the embodiment of the deity, enduring the blistering heat to wash away misfortune and bring blessings to the community. This photograph captures that exact split-second of spiritual transcendence, where pain dissolves into profound devotion, and the air thickens with the explosive energy of ancient heritage."

Interview

What inspired this award-winning photograph?

A group of young people who adore Han Dan Ye serve the deity; they also believe that by embodying Han Dan Ye in human form, their business will flourish more and more each month.

What creative or technical challenges did you encounter?

I often encounter situations where there isn't enough light or there are large crowds, but I always use the equipment I have on hand to capture shots from different angles.

How do you balance technique and artistic expression?

We will use the camera to capture touching and beautiful scenes of Taiwan’s traditional culture and religious beliefs, and help people understand Taiwanese culture from different perspectives.

What would you like viewers to take away from the work?

We hope to give the audience the feeling of being there in person and to promote Taiwanese culture to the world.

What role does photography play in the world today?

Photography is now a way to preserve precious memories. Another aspect of it is that it can promote one’s own culture and that of one’s country, as well as offer unique perspectives on different places, allowing people to learn about the diverse customs found around the world.

Editor’s Note

The Baptism of Fire approaches Taiwan’s Handan ritual as an intense convergence of belief, spectacle and physical endurance. Smoke, firecrackers and crowds are not merely dramatic visual elements; they belong to a ceremony with a deeply rooted communal and spiritual meaning.

The photographer’s stated aim is to convey the experience of being present while introducing wider audiences to Taiwanese traditions. That purpose gives the image a documentary responsibility beyond visual impact: it asks viewers to recognise the people, customs and convictions behind the moment.

Follow LIAO XIANG YU

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yus__xiang

About the World Grand Prix Photography Awards

The World Grand Prix Photography Awards (WGPPA) is an international online photography competition recognising creative work across photographic disciplines. Winning photographers can share their work through online award showcases, while selected winners may be invited to take part in editorial interviews published by WODACC. These features give readers a closer look at the artists, ideas and processes behind the photographs.

For photographers exploring international online competitions, the award offers a way to present work beyond a personal portfolio and, for selected participants, an opportunity to share their creative stories with a wider audience. Editorial coverage is selective and does not guarantee media pickup, search ranking or AI recommendations.

Competition website: https://www.wgppa.com/