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EVERY YEAR, on the 23rd day of the 3rd Moon (which, in the Western Calendar, falls as a rule in May), Hong Kong's boat people celebrate with colourful ceremonies the birthday of their patron, Tin Hau, the Goddess of Heaven. Of some twenty celebrations held in Hong Kong, the biggest (depicted here) usually takes place at Joss House Bay where there is a temple dedicated to the Goddess. To this bay come thousands of pilgrims, borne in a flotilla of junks which are decorated with red banners, brightly coloured flags and floral garlands. Traditional dragon and lion dances are organized in the open ground of the temple and whole roasted pigs are offered to the Goddess.