香港
共圖
The
he Yu Lan Festival, also known as the 'Festival of the Hungry Ghosts' is a major event in Hong Kong's yearly calendar of colourful festivals. It falls generally in the first half of the Seventh Moon (by the Chinese calendar) or around the end of August, by western reckoning. To the outsider it seems a singularly thoughtful festival. The central idea is to pay homage and to offer food and other provisions to the spirits of those who for various reasons have no one to pray for them and honour them. These observances are said to bring peace and prosperity to the area throughout the year. The festival is also an occasion for everyone to remember and pay their respects to their dead relatives and friends. In addition to the offerings of food, specially printed 'money' (which is burned), paper clothing and incense, the spirits are treated to lavish performances of Chinese opera and to a grand parade through the streets.
Our photographers this year recorded the Yu Lan observ- ances at Chai Wan, on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island. The title page picture shows a young musician sounding a gaily decorated conch horn, to mark the beginning of the street procession. Opposite, an old lady falls to her knees in homage as the parade passes by. She is holding the traditional offering of incense.