1938-01-22 — Page 8

8

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, Saturday, JANUARY 22, 1988.

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CHINA is truly a ̈ land of festivals for every month of the lunar NOW ARRIVED year has its own peculiar celebrations which are heri- tages from the nation's age- old past.

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The

Hongkong Telegraph.

Saturday, January 22, 1038..

SECRETS MEAN SUSPICIONS

Japan insists upon the right to build her new navy in secret.) No-one will question it. But this attitude, oddly at variance with the often reiterated de- claration that Japan's policies)

The greatest of all is, of { course, the New Year, which, as in other countries, is enthusiastically celebrat- ed amongst the masses.

the kitchen

TIE form of invocation given above follows pretty much that mich- tloned in previous articles the Telegraph upon Chinese festivals. Indeed, it may be said that the generality of these spontaneous out- pourings of the Chinese soul are more or less stereotyped, and that by changing slightly à phrase here and there the average old-fashioned wo- man can extemporise any number of similar expressions of plety to mult any occnalon,

On the evening of the 24th, another. ceremony takes place, when the ple ture of the "God of the Kitchen" Is torn down and burnt, together with an offering of limitation paper money. A new image of the popular deity_ls then pasted up above the kitchen shrine and all is in readiness for on- other year. To complete the the various Buddhas and other of water in conjunction with the deltles for their ald vouchsafer other offerings.. The usages, how occasion, another druma of offering"

ever, vary from place to place, and sacrifices of fruits, etc., is carried out 2. The adoration of Heaven and in some parts the carp is dispensed with meticulous detail. Earth and the sucrinces to the with, and another fish, the to-leng- yun, is substituted. At the proper Ancestors,

during the year.

3.-Paal-ain, or "worshipping the year," e. paying calls on friends and relativės.

4-lol-nin, or "opening the New

Year."

5.The Universal Birthday."

The first of these events occurs on The 23rd and 24th of the twelt moon, which this year falls on January 24 and 25,

over, the occasion that is looked for of

ous

Indeed, this may be said to be

Those residents of the Colony In- the fete par excellence; for it is a

terested in the popular customs of corresponds 10 season which

dur the Chinese, masses may recall that Christmas, Boxing Day and New on the morning of the 23rd, hawkera Year's rolled into one. It is, more may be glimpsed In the streets cry- merits of a strange forrago ing the

which wares.

are employed in the sacrifices to the "God of ward to by every Chinese, from the the Kitchen". Amongst the articles tired shopman's joki to the prosper- hawked through the streels are bits of

Fifth coloured paper known in the veran merchant in the city's

cular as top-kwan-1/1, or "clothes of Avenue or Malden Lane.

the God of the Kitchen".

and a variety of tiny paper hats and shoes, Both have their reasons for re-

Some of these peripatetic vendors joicing. To the former it means a have for sale lengths of sugar-cane, or "coarse brown pieces of well-earned rest of perhaps a week,

p'in-tong sugar,"

kumquats, lettuce, green the accumulation of onions, celery, eschatots, and a kind to the latter

vegetable called tidy sums of ready cash; for as in (Caladium exculatum). In addition. taz-kwoo universally known, Chinese custom other hawkers bear shallow tubs con-

taining

various species of the finny dictates that every business

man tribe, such as the common Ash lei must settle his debts at this season yue (Cyprinus carple) and fo-leng- in order that credit may be available sue (Cirrhina manos!igma), in the coming year.

they are thus designated in the Can- tonese colloquial.

•

The evening of the last day of the year is regarded by the musses as a hour (about sundown) the man of period of especial importanco; for it the family thanks the God of the is styled T'uen-nin, or "rounding phe Kitchen" by kneeling before the

the year". It is, moreover, a time of re- shrine

through and going formality of "chin-chin jess." He joleing, und'every member of the usually does not offer any verbal family arranges to be present; for, al prayer, that being left to the women- this time, sacrifces are made to-the folk, who invoke the deity in the divinities of Heaven and Earth and following words:

"Fan-heung pat-pral_ts'ing Fan-heung pi-paai (s'ing Fan-heung saam-paat ts'ing Ting Tro-kwan lo-ye Kam-mat pc-saam pat Nei sheng sai-t'in

**ka mban min Yat-nin chi noi to-tak san-lik Taap-tse shan-yau Nin-nin jau kam-mat, mul-sui

kam-chlu

Foo-po foo-you- Sut ko wan ko

Shi l'ung wọn lung Waang-ta'oi shun-let Ching-15'i shun-tel

Tak-sam uļing shau

Sam-seung s2-shing

Maan-sz shing-ut

the benevolent spirlis of the departed ancestors. The offerings made to the gods and spirits on this occasion are, of course, the traditional saam-sanp or "three sacriflees", Le., presenta- tions of pork, chicken and ash. Lettuce is also provided; for accoid- ing to Chinese notions, this vegetable is of happy augury, as the name It- yau self in the Cantonese vernacular sug-

gests a peculiar felicitatious combina- tion of good wishes, indeed; the nume sheang-ts'at which signifes "lettuce" in Cantonese, may also be employed to indicate "the produc lion of wealth"; for the words them- selves con be thus interpreted to

Kwat-yan tak lik, luk-me foo ts'z have this auspicious significance.

llo-shan he sant -Kit-tak maan-yan yuen

Ho-yan seung-fung Ok-van uen-per Haang-kong taap-hoi Blaang-tung tanp-sai Haang-tak chcuk fung K'ei-tak cheuk wat Taal-naam sai-ntzi Ping-on taai-kat.

The following is a free translation

THE

>.

last day of the year, is, too,.

according to age-old custoin the final period of grace when all those who owe money must pay. Indeed, every debtor is expected to settle his outstanding accounts in full. If he fails, may his ancestors help him for it is very doubtful if he can secure are built upon a foundation of CHINESE New Year is not une day IT is perhaps difficult for Western- of what is fild on this occasion:

crs to realise how deeply this deity.

im-n credit any more. Indeed, so peaceful intention, is very ob-| of celebration us in Western

**{1, the humble petitioner) offer up of the cook's sanctum is regarded by

incense and invite thee portant is the settlement of debts at viously just another danger countries, but aeries of events the majority of old-fashioned Chinese

this time, that in order to raise once. twice and thrice which last for well nigh a fortnight, "God of the Kitchen" is a figure of

households. Indeed,

Indeed, to them the clement in world politics.

money, people will resort to all kinds Please, O "God of the Kitchen" commencing with the 23rd and 24th tremendous importance; for he is

To-day is the 33rd (of the twelfth of expedients; it is needlens to re- mark that robberies are especially the

moon) "If third powers are taking of the twelfth moon and culminating alleged to ascend to the Court of

Emperor

And you are going up to the frequent in Hongkong in the period Western the Sino-Japanese hostilities the first moon of the New Year.

In a sort of grand finale on the 7th of Jude

Heavens once a year in order to re- Western ilcavens (to report to just before Chinese New Year. the Jade Emperor) a pretext to build additional shart, the whole sequence of festi- homes where he was resident. For port upon the deeds witnessed in the

M surname is Each year may po what the warships, it is purely due to a vitles are flyc-fold and may be re- those who do not know

strength in order to help me duced to the form of a table which "God of the Kitchen" is, it may be misconstruction and distortionį

Thank all the gods for me for their may be listed thus:

explained that just over the brick

Icindnesses and cement cooking stove in the kit- of the situation," declares ·Ad-

1.-The worship of the “Cod, of chen is a shelf on which is placed u Every year has to-day and this miral Noda, that excellent oflicer)

the Kitchen," and the thanking of number of offerings to this deity. The god himselt is represented-by-a- and statesman who at present

paper image, which is pasted to the holds the portfolio of the Minis-

wall just above It On the 23rd of the twelfth moon, this divinity is

In

In

the

un-

S. MOUTRIE & CO., LTD. mind of this suspicion. Great Let us speak plainly. Is there avevable report to the Jade Em-

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It is the consistently advertised product which makes the steady gain in sales. This way the consumer is constantly reminded of a particular product. Newspaper advertising is pre- ferred to any other form because it enables the advertiser to place his message before the consumer in the most effective manner. It can be changed every day. It does not become monotonous.

The "South China Morning Post" and "The Hongkong. Telegraph" provide the finest media, guar- antecing the largest morning and afternoon circulations.

reuson

ter of the Navy in Tokyo. and non-aggression," and main-supposed to set out on his annual Admiral Nota can disabuse his twins that it should be trusted. Journey, and therefore must be war- shipped and started off in good style: otherwise, make an Britain is not arming against any more.

ror and the family will suffer to distrust peror

thereby by incurring the ill-will of Japan, or any other nation. The Japan's motives thun to dis-the offended gods. United States' naval plan, partly trust Great Britain's in the With this view in mind, the propio dictated by, conditions in the

made it a point to propitiate the matter of naval re-armament? venerable Inmate of the culinary de- 0000] Pacific, truly, may have been

partment of the household by offer accelerated by recent happen-let common-sense and justice nga sacrifice before his shrine,

table Is prepared and balled chicken, ings in the Far East; but her answer.

roast pork, sugar-canc, brown sugar, kumquats or loose-skinned oranges. programme has not yet been

The Japanese Navy, says Ad- lettuce, onions, celery, eschalots, etc., greatly influenced even by the miral Noda, adhered to a policy are placed on it.. Wine and ten ure also provided. Candles and sticks of sinking of the Panay and the of non-menace and non-aggres-incense are lit, and guen-po imita- several Standard Oil Company sion. Why, then, this secrecyber of paper rep!leas

tlon paper money, as well as a num- of wearing vessels in the Yangtse. Britain's, in the matter of building? Why apparel, are burned. and to a lesser extent, America's not make it clear that Japan ist

Sometimes, too, a live .carp (lei- naval construction are outbuilding solely for defence, as uc), with its head wrapped with a growths of general world condi-are the other naval powers? strip of red paper, is placed in a lowl tions. Japan must not suppose What has Japan to hide? The that Great Britain is particular- whole attitude of the Govern ly concerned with any hypothetiment at Tokyo is such as is eal threat to her vast Empire bound to. cause suspicion. from Tokyo. But of course, if

Secrecy on the part of one Japan herself seeks an excuse power leads to a similar "defen- for building more and bigger sive" silence among potential

Make 1938 a more prosperous year by using the two leading newspapors.

morning

get new

At length, the New Year' dawns. Families who can afford it, vle with one another in the wearing of new garments. Even the poorer people make a rule to change into their "Sunday best" on this day. It is a day when New Year calls are made to relatives and friends, and the Grant (0_"God of the Kitchen") presentation-of-lei-shler "lucky

thy protection

ey to the children and depend money" to May both Time and Fate be pru- ants of the household. The servants

pitious

come in for their annual cumshaw May both Time and Fate be com- and if a family should omit to pre-

prehensive

sent their faithful servitors with 21 May good fortune in both legitimate gratuity at this time, they would be and devious ways come to me stigmatised as the acme of niggard- May all the desires of my heart be liness or as the Chinese say, p'et-

fulfilled

sik. The petty observances on this May all things be accomplished

are so varied that it is quite, be- May the +"Noble Gentleman" and yond the scope of a brief article to, "Lucky Horse" charms be do more than hint at them; for New efficacious

Year's is in China "the day of days", May enjoy good health

and the senson for universal refolc- Map my relationship with every ing.

one be harmonious

Map I meet with only those who

are good

Moy I keep away from those who

are wicked

Though I walk upon the river and

step upon the sea May I

meet

with fortune in my walkings about May I encounter honour in my

standings stil!

And though I walk early and walk

late

May old and young to both sexes

In this household) Enjoy peace and good luck,"

BULLS AND INNERS

☐ ☐

(

From the Office Butts

m

O

THE second day of the New Year,. is, likewise, an Important one for it is officially termed hol-nin or "opening the year." On this day, the almanac is carefully persued to learn the lucky dates in the Now Year; for according to many, it is incumbent that these favourable and unfavour

that able periods be memorised, so ono muy pront to the full from their On this day, many obvious benefits, of the people think that it is as im- portant to partake of п complete vegetarian menu, as it is said that. the non-eating of meat at this time denotes reverence to Heaven and Earth, and is consequently "an act of speclat merit."

On the seventh day occurs ie unique festival of yan-yal, or "the day of man." This is an occasion that is of interest. On It is observed the birthday of every Chinese; hence it is a day for reckoning age. The. ships it would be natural to rivals. Britain and America | We must ask Eeyore to set Several lengths of dachshund Chinese people, or at least the great publicise the conclusion that:

and France, co-signatories of

some of these razz

tunes to have been noticed in Kowloon bulk of the masses, do not calculate maturity from the actual date of Britain and America, France the recently achieved London music..

recently.

birth; but from the zoventh of the Brat moon. On account and Russin have

of this some dark,

~ C treaty, will exchange informa-

We notice that "The ladica de- strange natal circumstance, the day deep and ulterior motive in ex-tion na to their needs and inten-| As usual, St. George's Ball monstrated the routine exercises is seized upon with grateful alacrity panding their sea power. and tions in the matter of now ships. will give Sentamen an

and celebrated with a degree of oppor-of bending, stretching and deep-extraordinary fervour by the people. that the guns of these navical

with .COAC and Wine flows in every” home, and Japan has been invited to par-tunity to recover their spirita. breathing, were a threat, if not a challenge, ticipate in this scheme.

rhythm." This disposes of the everyone makes merry; for the Chlu Π Her

-

practical rumour that they used wires, ese are pre-eminently

people A doctor asserts that the ac-mirrors and trap-doors.

who enjoy to the full any. occasion affording them an ор 0 naturally creates the impression tion of atropin or scopolomin

portunity to escape for a while from The most popular exercise the cares of their ordinary work-a- upon the reversed peristalsis is that she has something to hide: effective in cases of nensickness, some of our fair young golfers day lives. of the position by Tokyo, is 'and such a determination goes Why didn't we think of this be get in the car ride to and from probably unfair; just as it is oddly in company with allegedly fore? unfair for Japan to infer that pacific intentions. Until nations learn to deal entirely openly with ont another there can be ΠΟ Bure escape

to Japan. However, that sort refusal to accept the Invitation

of supposition, the very mention

of the possibility of diatortion)

"Third Powers," ад she in pleased to call them, are making the Sino-Japanese war an cxcuse for nuval expansion,

Fanling,

"Sydney's harbour, in which The Telegraph's Popular Stars will be four United States Contest was won by the alice cruisers, and her magnificent boy who nominated Hennessy.bridge, will be illuminated at night," says a news item. It is suspicions; and while suspicions We suppose the Dentists' understood however, that the

from

.

口,

***At this phase of the prayer,. the supplicant inserts her own sur- nameWong, Lei, Ch'an, etc., as the case may be.

These are the names of tipo

popular charms which are burned in offering to the Buddhas and spirita.

Japan makes a great fuss exist, there will be fear, and Union enables them to pull to-bridge will not accompany the T. Paul Gregory

over her "policy of non-menace" peace cannot be permanent.

gether.

craisers to the Far East,