CHINESE FESTIVALS - Thrid Moon

CHING MING FESTIVAL

Luner Dates: Third Moon
Western Dates: 4, Apr 2008 (almost March/April)


Ancestor worship is a Chinese tradition dating back thousands of years.

Also known as the Grave-sweeping or Spring Remembrance, Ching Ming ("clear and bright"), is when Chinese families show their respect by visiting the graves of their ancestors to clear away weeds, touch up gravestone inscriptions and make offerings of wine and fruit.

Public transport is widely used, particularly on routes along which cemeteries are located, and the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) East Rail runs extra services to cope with the increased traffic to burial areas in the New Territories. You should expect delays on public transport and on roads with access to cemeteries.

BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU


Luner Dates: Third Moon, Day 23
Western Dates: 28, Apr 2008 (Almost April/May)

All those who owe their livelihood to the sea praise Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea.

Tin Hau's birthday is celebrated to bring safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year. There are celebrations at Tin Hau temples in different districts in Hong Kong. Seafarers adorn with boats with colourful ribbons praising the goddess for past protection and praying for future luck. Boats are loaded with symbols of devotion, with offerings to the goddess.

The festival in her honour culminates in a procession and is characterised by floral paper offerings known as fa pau. Every year Joss House Bay, in Sai Kung, hosts a vivid celebration, where traditional rites are observed at the temple. In Yuen Long, in the New Territories, a parade takes place with lion dances.

Join a Tin Hau Tour to enjoy this colourful of the festival.