| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
HONG KONG : Come next year, Hong Kong's annual Hungry Ghost Festivities may see one of the street celebrations giving way to development.
The Hungry Ghost or Yue Lan Festival is an annual "extravaganza" of the traditional kind, with noisy worshippers winding their way through the streets of Soho, as participants join in the colourful festival.
The festival takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, largely celebrated by the Chiu Chow (Teochew) community.
But after decades of tradition, it may be the last year of festivities held at Hong Kong's Staunton Street.
Wong Kan-oi has been coordinating events from his shop at 62 Staunton Street for 18 years.
Locals from the area all pitch in to help, setting up an altar and offerings to pacify roaming spirits each year.
"We put everything together from our hearts... So the neighbours in the area are happy to devote themselves. Every year they voluntarily contribute," said Wong, chairman of the 30 House Yue Lan Associates.
It is rumored the festival may soon be granted intangible cultural heritage status by Beijing.
But redevelopment plans for Hong Kong's Central area means Wong will be evicted from his shop early next year.
It leaves the group without headquarters, and where they will hold next year's events, is also up in the air.
"I feel sad. I grew up up in this area and I am very attached to this street. I've put my heart into it," said Wong.
People have been celebrating the festival at Staunton Street for over a century now. And some believed that if hungry ghosts come to the area next year and find that nothing has been prepared for them, they may cause trouble such as car accidents or fires.
"The wandering ghosts come every year to receive offerings. But if they come next year and don't get anything, there might be some sort of misfortune or unhappy occurrence. So people are feeling uneasy," said one Hong Kong resident.
Meantime, participants are hoping to find another location nearby for next year's event, so as to ensure the tradition doesn't die out. - CNA /ls
|
