CHINESE FESTIVALS - Fourth Moon

CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL

Luner Dates: Day 8, Fourth Moon
Western Dates: 12, May 2008

A celebration dominated by white chinese buns is quite a spectacle, and it is one not to be missed.Every year on the tiny island of Cheung Chau, the people of Hong Kong celebrate the Bun Festival.




Enormous bamboo towers studded with white chinese bun and effigies of three gods dominate the grounds near the Pak Tai Temple, where the main festivities take place. The festival that lasts for about a week climaxes with a large, colourful street procession, which features costumed children on stilts in a carnival atmosphere that winds its way through the streets.


One of the reputed origins of this popular festival, which attracts tourists by the tens of thousands each year, involves a plague on the island hundreds of years ago. Villagers disguised themselves as different deities and walked around the island to drive away the evil spirits responsible for the plague. Another story says the festival is part of an annual exorcism and fast.

In the past, the last event of this weeklong celebration was the climbing of the bun towers. Athletes would scamper up the bamboo bun towers and grab as many buns as possible. The buns would then be sold or distributed to those who did not join in the competition. This ritual was abandoned in 1978, but was resumed again.

Join a Bun Festival Tour to enjoy all the sights, sounds and colours of the festivities from an exclusive vantage point.

BIRTHDAY OF LORD BUDDHA


Luner Dates: Day 8, Fourth Moon
Western Dates: 12, May 2008



Bathing Buddha's statue The birthday of Lord Buddha is a celebration of great reverence in Hong Kong's Buddhist temples.

Worshippers show their devotion throughout the day by bathing Buddha's statue. Celebrations centre round the major temples and monasteries in Hong Kong. Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the world's largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha, is one of hubs of activity at this time. Enjoy sumptuous Chinese vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery; observe the ceremonies at Miu Fat Monastery in Tuen Mun, in the New Territories.

There is no better way to take in the solemnity of this spectacle and to enjoy one of Hong Kong's treasures than to join a tour.

BIRTHDAY OF TAM KUNG

Luner Dates: Day 8, Fourth Moon
Western Dates: 12, May 2008



Another patron saint of the sea, Tam Kung, brings security and happiness to all fishermen.

Birthday of Tam KungHis birthday festival is celebrated with considerable devotion and fanfare at the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island, which dates from 1905. Similar to the Tin Hau festivities, the seafarers celebrate in order to secure safety and good luck during the coming year.

Join a Tam Kung Tour to enjoy this colourful of the festival.