It is meant to frighten off evil spirits.

目的是想吓走阴魂鬼神。

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Yuli farmers bedeck their fields with waving banners to frighten off wild geese and ducks.

旗海飘飘，玉里镇农民在田间插满旗帜以吓阻雁鸭。

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In ancient China, there was a form of dance which was performed at ritual ceremonies to frighten off the ghosts and to relieve people of epidemics.

例。中国古代有种舞，就是驱鬼逐疫的祭祀仪式上跳的舞。

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Critics say the reforms will focus more power in the president's hands and this will frighten off foreign investors.

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Businessmen protest that attempts to prosecute former officials and their cronies for corruption have broadened into witch hunts that frighten off investment.

ECONOMIST: The Arab uprisings

Moreover, they will get the money up-front, giving them a war chest likely to frighten off many firms thinking of entering the state's electricity market.

ECONOMIST: Chopping up America’s power | The