The highlight of the Hung Shing Festival in Kau Sai Chau is the Shengong Opera. This traditional Chinese opera is performed on the evening of the festival day. The opera is a story with a moral lesson that reflects the values and beliefs of the Chinese culture. The performance includes colorful costumes, music, and dance. It is a way of passing down the cultural heritage from one generation to the next and a celebration of Chinese theater arts.

Kau Sai Chau's Celebration of the Hung Shing Festival

Introduction:

The Hung Shing Festival is a religious holiday observed in China, particularly in Honk Kong. Communities in former fishing villages, such as Ho Sheung Heung, Ap Lei Chau, and Kau Sai Chau, commemorate the occasion. The date of the festival follows the 13th of the second lunar month. To honor the contributions of Hung Shing, various events are organized. This article focuses on festivities in Kau Sai Chau.

History of Kau Sai Chau:

Kau Sai Chau was initially home to Hakka inhabitants. However, due to the proximity to an army firing range in Port Shelter, the land-based residents were relocated to Pak Sha Wan in 1952. Fishermen who experienced the repercussions of artillery almost daily suffered from this. Anthropologist Barbara E. Ward from the Chinese University of Hong Kong frequently visited the village to learn more about the culture and life of fishermen. She established close ties with the community. When she learned of the injustice, she felt incredibly saddened and lobbied government officials to address the issue. As a result of her efforts, the government agreed to disestablish the artillery area to prevent further harm. A monument was later erected to commemorate Ward's contribution to the site.

Activities and Cultural Significance:

1. Leader Selection:

On the 15th day of the first lunar month, villagers gather at the Hung Shing Temple to draw lots to select the person responsible for organizing the festivities. Sponsors of the event are acknowledged on a list outside the temple due to the significant amount of money needed for preparations.

2. Pilgrimage Activities:

The Hung Shing Temple is a famous destination for pilgrims during the Hung Shing Festival. Hung Shing (God of the Southern Sea) is primarily worshipped in southern China by fishermen and coastal residents. Another temple deity, Shui Sin Yeh, is highly revered in many fishing communities. The temple was known to resolve local disputes in the past when the yamen was far away. Hung Shing was also the village protector. Pilgrims can offer incense and burn joss paper and donate to the temple. This temple is important to fishermen in Kau Sai, allowing them to pray for blessings and unity within the local community. Its significance lies in representing the community's cultural identity.

3. Birthday Rice:

The clansmen gather at a poon choi feast around noon, where rice with roasted suckling pig and vegetables is served to all visitors, symbolizing sharing happiness together. The traditional poon choi feast signifies solidarity and unity among clansmen and reminds them to spread the joy of the festival together.

4. Dancing Lion:

Various associations perform lion dances before the opera launch, with two lions accompanied by drums, cymbals, and gongs, to the audience's delight. The lion dance is a vibrant and lively spectacle that entertains and mesmerizes spectators. It is a cherished part of Chinese culture and tradition.

5. Shengong Opera:

The highlight of the Hung Shing Festival in Kau Sai Chau is the Shengong Opera, a traditional Chinese opera performance that takes place on the festival day's evening. The story behind the opera illustrates a moral lesson that reflects Chinese values and beliefs. The performance entails colorful costumes, music, and dance. It is a way of preserving and passing down the cultural heritage from one generation to the next and a testament to Chinese theater arts.

One of the most significant highlights of the Hung Shing Festival in Kau Sai Chau is the Floral Tribute Scrambling. Organizations and villagers eagerly purchase firecracker tickets to increase their chances of winning the firecracker drawing. On the day of the festival, participants transport tributes and perform a short worship ceremony with roasted suckling pigs, lanterns, tribute silver, fragrant oil, and red Chinese eggs to complete the returning process. Representatives of different lion dances or floral tribute societies gather in the open area in front of the temple, where tribute scaffolding is placed. After collecting the tickets, staff places them in a plastic box in front of the stage, allowing the guests to draw the lucky winners. A new floral tribute is made to thank the gods for the new year. The next year, the tribute is returned with gifts such as a roasted suckling pig, a lantern, tribute silver, and fragrant oil. The event launches seven paper floral tributes each year, and each tribute has an auspicious name. People believe that scrambling for these floral tributes brings good luck.

During our field trip, we witnessed how people value the Hung Shing Festival, even though they may not gain any tangible benefits from it. Preserving this festival is essential for cultural heritage, community building, and providing entertainment and cultural enrichment. The festival is a vibrant and lively event that showcases Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage through colourful decorations such as lanterns, paper flowers, and traditional ornaments. By continuing to celebrate the festival, we can ensure that Hong Kong's unique identity and traditions are preserved and passed down to future generations.

The festival also provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together, which creates a sense of community and shared identity. It strengthens social bonds and allows people to celebrate their heritage. Additionally, the festival offers entertainment and cultural enrichment for locals and tourists, showcasing traditional performances, such as lion dances and dragon boat races, which are a crucial part of Hong Kong's artistic heritage.

The Kau Sai Chau field trip offers visitors a chance to witness the festival firsthand, which provides a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions. Visitors can witness the festivities, participate in the celebrations, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Overall, preserving the Hung Shing Festival is essential for maintaining Hong Kong's cultural heritage, promoting environmental conservation, and supporting the local economy. This festival is a celebration of the city's unique identity and traditions and a valuable event that should continue for generations to come.