Zha Xiao Ren (Stabbing a Little Person) was one of the most widely practiced forms of curse rituals in ancient China, often used by members of the imperial court. This ritual was rooted in the belief that harming a symbolic representation of an individual could bring misfortune or even physical harm to that person.
The practice involved creating a small effigy, usually made of paper, cloth, or straw, to represent the target of the curse. The effigy, often referred to as a “little person,” would be inscribed with the target’s name or personal details. Royal family members, driven by political intrigue or personal grievances, would use this method to secretly curse rivals or enemies. The effigy would be stabbed, burned, or subjected to other symbolic acts of violence, accompanied by chants or incantations, in an attempt to influence the fate of the individual it represented.
While “Zha Xiao Ren” was most famously used by the elite, it also permeated popular culture as a form of folk sorcery, especially in times when direct confrontation or revenge was impossible. Today, it is considered part of ancient Chinese superstitions and folklore, with its historical significance often linked to power struggles within the royal courts.
How to make the Chinese curse doll
