One of the few deities known only to Hong Kong, Tam Kung is also a patron of fishermen and boat people, having been able to forecast the weather. His birthday falls on the 8th day of the 4th Lunar month [12 May in 2008]. The main celebrations are held in Shau Kei Wan, a former fishing village at the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, and Happy Valley.
For many years, locals held an annual procession to commemorate the time when many people were saved from a plague. Discontinued in the face of urbanisation, it has now been revived with all the colour and pageantry of its origins, including lion and dragon dancers parading along the main street..
Glad to see things of this type being continued. It seems many things today are cast away, celebrations to old buildings. I think it's important for everyone in every culture to know their background, and have a felling & tie to their roots. Something that seems to be lost to so many these days. When history is lost, the future holds many more mistakes. We need to embrace, and respect the difference of people instead of bury it to encourage a sameness. jmho. Wonderfully bright and, well.. festive gallery. It does you proud.
