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RELIGION AND CUSTOM

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of Seafarers, is worshipped widely. During the Tin Hau Festival, which falls on the 23rd day of the third moon, many worshippers visit the most famous Tin Hau temple, at Joss House Bay on the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. Other leading deities include Pak Tai (Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven and local patron of the island of Cheung Chau) and Hung Shing (God of the South Seas and a weather prophet).

Notable temples in Hong Kong include the Wong Tai Sin Temple, named after a Taoist deity, Wong Tai Sin, located in the Wong Tai Sin District in Kowloon. Nearby, the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill is a group of temple structures built in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. It is open to the public every day except Wednesdays, following the completion of its redevelopment, and official opening in May 2000. The Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for the Tian Tan Buddha, a majestic bronze seated Buddha believed to be the largest outdoor Buddha statue of this style in the world. It attracts a throng of visitors during the weekends and holidays. Other well-known temples include the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin in the New Territories, and the Man Mo Temple in Hollywood Road on Hong Kong Island.

Confucianism

Confucianism is a belief in the teachings of Confucius, who lived in ancient China from 551 to 479 BC. His teachings were based on a moral code for human relations with emphasis on the importance of tradition and rites. He was one of the most eminent thinkers of the time, a great sage and educator whose philosophy has deeply influenced the political, economic and social systems of China through the ages. He has also been hailed as an exemplary mentor for all ages. The major festival of Confucianism is the birthday of Confucius which falls on the 27th day of the eighth

moon.

Confucians in Hong Kong have always been deeply involved in education. They run a number of schools locally with the objective of promoting the teachings of Confucius.

Christianity

The Christian community - largely Protestant and Roman Catholic — is estimated to number 536 000. The Protestant and Roman Catholic churches maintain a spirit of fellowship, with the Hong Kong Christian Council and the Roman Catholic Diocese joining together on special occasions. In recent years, the Orthodox Church has established a Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia, which is based in Hong Kong.

The Protestant Community

The presence of the Protestant community dates from 1841. About 300 000 Protestant Christians live in Hong Kong. The Protestant Church is made up of over 1 300 congregations in more than 50 denominations with many independent churches. The Baptists form the largest denomination, followed by the Lutherans. Other major denominations are Adventist, Anglican, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of Christ in China (representing the Presbyterian and Congregational traditions), Methodist, Pentecostal and Salvation Army. With their emphasis on youth work, many congregations have a high proportion of young people.