Ba Zha

Ba Zha, also known as Ba Cha, Pa Cha and General Liu Meng (刘猛将军), is a spirit protector against locusts and grasshoppers in Chinese mythology. Called “Great King Ba Zha,” he is one of many mythic deities connected with agriculture. According to Godchecker.com, "He defends against plagues of locusts and grasshopper invasions. This dear old Mongolian general with a splendid record was rewarded in extreme old age with the job of Celestial Scarecrow. Or Scarelocust in this case." He has the title of General Meng, the god of locust driving, and is also one of the main gods of the Sangzhi Bai people in Hunan Province.

Appearance
According to the myths, his upper body is human, but he has a bird’s beak, claws, and wings. His lower body is often in the shape of a bell. Ba Zha was said to be able to catch harmful insects with a magic liquid. Sometimes he carries a mallet, a sword, or a banner used to summon locusts and imprison them.

Worship
Annual ceremonies were held in ancient China to ask for Ba Zha’s protection. Wandering musicians were paid by villagers to erect a tent at the entrance of the village or town’s main street and beat their drums and chant the proper prayers for half a day. Children and adults would crowd around and take home a charm to place over their front doors.