In fact, when compared to similar rites associated with the pilgrimage devoted to Matsu in Peikang held every year, one can find that aside from signifying purification, the consuming of the fireworks also serves to display the courage of the palanquin-bearing brethren and to testify to their protection by the gods.
事實上每年北港媽祖的進香儀式中，也常有吃炮儀式，除了有潔淨過火的象徵，也藉以展現神力護持下，轎班兄弟的神勇。