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The Royal party, sitting on black wooden chairs inlaid with
mother-of-pearl, then watched a passing procession of boats, decorated
in honour of the 996th birthday of the goddess Tin Hau. Fishermen believe
that Tin Hau calms the seas, protects them from devils and sickness, and
helps them make bountiful catches.
First came 12 mechanised sampans, then 18 fishing boats illustrating
the different methods of fishing, including purse seiners, gill netters,
shrimp trawlers, sampans operating with hooks and lines, and otter trawlers.
The Queen and the Duke waved to the people on each one, and their waves
were delighted returned. With Mr. Lo beside her, giving explanations,
and studying her programme, the Queen was clearly interested in the
procession, often leaning forward to see what was coming next.
Next, heralded by loud Chinese music drifting across the water, came
a feather fan dance done on a lighter by fishermen's daughters in green
silk uniforms and waving pink fans. The Queen and the Duke applauded
warmly, as they did the following lighters and junks portraying a
traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, complete with sedan chair in
which to carry the bride to the bridegroom's home, and a tableau of
fishing activities such as mending nets and baiting hooks.
/Finally
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