China
23:06, 18-Aug-2017
Hong Kong unveils first list of intangible cultural heritage
["china"]
Share
Copied
The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) made public its first list of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage on Monday. Including 20 items, the list is expected to provide reference for the government to take measures for protection of items of high cultural value. It includes some that are already on the national list.
Fire dragon dance is one of them. The activity, with a history of about 100 years, is a traditional performance during the Mid-Autumn Festival (a festival for family reunion on Aug 15 of China's lunar calendar). Legend has it that the dance was performed in ancient times to get rid of plague.
Worship activity at Wong Tai Sin Temple, a famous shrine in Hong Kong for fortune-telling, is also included. Every year on Jan 1 of China's lunar calendar, worshipers will come over to make wishes and pray for good fortune.
Handicraft skills for making paper artifacts including paper tigers, lions and lanterns are also on the list. The exquisite techniques, as an epitome of Hong Kong's traditional culture, have played an important role in festive occasions and religious ceremonies.
Another notable item is herbal tea. It has become an essential part of Hong Kong people's lives. Whenever they have health problems, like catching a cold or having a sore throat, people will sip tea, thus feeling a sense of relief.