Lunar New Year traditions have remained strong throughout the many generations of Chan Chau-wing's clan. They have been observed since before his ancestors moved from Dongguan to Shui Hau on southern Lantau 300 years ago.
It's a busy time, as Chan lives with his four brothers and their families. 'The new year activities begin on the 28th day of the previous lunar month, which is designated as a cleaning day. Our clan members sweep everything clean,' Chan says.
That is also the day when women of the clan prepare for the New Year's Eve dinner, which is the most important meal of the year.
'It is a grand reunion, and the entire clan of 40 members gathers together. We make tasty dishes like braised pork with Chinese mushrooms. The gathering goes on until 11.45pm, when we meet at the village's Tai Wong Ye shrine and light firecrackers to welcome the New Year.'
A sleepless night follows when mahjong and computer games are played by old and young. 'But no one stays up after 3am, as we need to be up the next morning to pay tribute at the shrine,' Chan says. 'On New Year's Day, vegetarian meals are served, and we spend the day with the elderly members of the clan, hearing their stories.
'On the second day of the new year, lion and dragon dances are performed by our boys. They start at the ancestral hall and continue on to individual households across the village. They collect lai see in exchange for the performance. The sound of drums and cymbals mixed with firecrackers is heard on and off throughout the day.