ENG-1981 — Page 263

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XXO

Religion and Custom

THE Commercial complexities of Hong Kong are offset by the solicitude its vibrant population finds in spiritual beliefs whether it be in a temple, church, synagogue or mosque. Of the 17 days statutory holidays in the territory, 11 involve religious worshipping.

The majority of devotees are followers of Buddhism and Taoism and although five of the statutory holidays are renowned Chinese festivals, they continue their worshipping throughout the year during numerous other festivals which appease the gods.

Missionaries arrived in Hong Kong during its early history and established Christian churches, mosques, Hindu and Sikh temples and a synagogue where believers can profess their faith.

Buddhism and Taoism

Hong Kong possesses more than 350 Buddhist and Taoist temples, some of which are centuries old and contain priceless antiques; others are impressive new buildings con- structed along traditional Chinese architectural lines. In addition, almost every household has its ancestral shrine and countless shops have a God Shelf, supporting images of the most favoured of the hundreds of divinities.

Although Buddhism and Taoism are basically two different religions, there is a tendency among devotees to see them as similar, in that they both involve the practise of sacred rites of traditional origin. It is not unusual, therefore, to find Taoist deities in a Buddhist temple, and vice versa.

Almost all temples and monasteries are open to the public, but with religious observances also taking place in the home, many people reserve temple-going for festivals and other special occasions. In particular, the traditional rites associated with birth, marriage and death are widely observed.

Because Hong Kong's early history was centred around the sea, first for fishing and later for trade, the most popular deities are those connected with the sea and the weather. Tin Hau, the Queen of Heaven and Protector of Seafarers, is said to be worshipped by 250 000 people. There are at least 24 Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong, the first and most famous being the one at Fat Tong Mun in Joss House Bay. As a result of reclamation, many of the Tin Hau temples which were originally built near the sea are now some distance inland.

Other leading deities include Kwun Yum, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; Kwan Tai, the God of War and the source of righteousness; Pak Tai, Lord of the North and patron of Cheung Chau Island; Hung Shing, God of the South Seas and a weather prophet; and Wong Tai Sin, after whom an area of New Kowloon is named. The temple built in his honour, around which a public housing estate has been constructed, is huge and is extremely popular. Dedicated to the Gods of Literary Attainment and Martial Valour, The Man Mo Temple in Hollywood Road, run by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, is equally popular and famous.