Ebook: Chinese Festivals in Hong Kong

It comes as a surprise to many to discover that Hong Kong, outwardly so modern, still celebrates a wide range of traditional Chinese festivals. And because many of the festivals for gods and ghosts are now forbidden in mainland China, Hong Kong remains one of the few places in the world to watch these fascinating Chinese traditions. There are the noisy, colou1ful public festivals such as the Lunar New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, or spectacular birthday celebrations for popular gods. Then there are quieter festivals based mainly on the home and family, and others associated with religious institutions. Some festivals are integrated into city life; others are best seen in their village environment in the New Territories.

This handbook for festival-watchers guides the reader through the traditional year, and outlines each festival, describing what the participants do, explaining key symbols' and telling some of the stories behind the festival.

All publicly celebrated festivals are included with details of where to see them, and how to get there. There is a festival calendar, a glossary with Chinese translation and explanatory notes, and a map.

First published in 1982, the book is designed for the general reader. The text is by noted social anthropologist Barbara Ward, a Fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge, who was closely involved with Hong Kong for over thirty years. Her highly readable account is complemented by 83 colour plates, the work of Hong Kong-born photographer Joan Law, who spent some two years visiting festivals all over Hong Kong. Together with Barbara Ward's lively text, they build up a vivid picture of Hong Kong festivals which should encourage reader to go out and experience some of these spectacular celebrations for themselves.

With 83 colour plates