XN000022-1973-05-03 — Page 6

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Thursday, May 3, 1973

GOVERNOR TO SEE BUN FESTIVAL PARADE

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, will watch the grand parade

of the annual Bun Festival at Cheung Chau on Sunday (May 6).

He will be met on arrival at Cheung Chau by the District Officer,

Islands, Mr. Mayer Ng, and his Liaison Officer, Mr. J. Pun Hong-sing.

The vice-Chairman of the Cheung Chau Rural Committee, Mr. Fung Pak-choy,

the Director of the Festival Organising Committee, Mr. Kwong Ping-yau

and other officials of the committees will also greet the Governor.

The Bun Festival, commonly known as "Ta Chiu" is one of Hong

Kong's most colourful pageants.

It is held by residents of Cheung Chau to placate the avenging

spirits of people tortured and murdered by pirates on the island many

decades ago.

According to legend, these spirits are responsible for Cheung

Chau's calamities. Buddhist priests are therefore called in for the

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religious ceremony of "Ta Chiu" to pacify the spirits.

The festival begins tomorrow and will last until next Monday

(May 7). During this time residents of Cheung Chau may eat only vegetarian food..

As it is a festival of gods and spirtis, all the principal idols from

the nine temples on the island will be assembled beside the bun towers.

After the procession, the idols will be returned to their temples.

The grand