Wikipedia
Ba Jia Jiang originated from the Chinese folk beliefs and myths, usually referred to a few members of God, generally eight members. The general argument of the existence of Ba Jia Jiang is from the eight generals catching evil exorcism for Wufu Emperor . These eight generals are the gods of the underworld. They are also known as the bodyguards or attendants for the temples of the nether Gods such as Dongyue Emperor , Yama (King of Hell, 閻羅王) and Cheng Huang (City Gods, 城隍). Gradually Ba Jia Jiang evolved into the pioneers of Wang Ye (Royal Lord, 王爺), Matsu and many other temples, as the bodyguards of the Gods. Later on, the participation of believers in the 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 evils, bringing safety and good lucks and providing protections. They contain a strong religious nature, and Din Tao (Taiwanese troupes, 陣頭) are often seem mysterious, threaten and serious. Some Ba Jia Jiang members have relations with Taiwanese gangstars.