Ancient rituals distorted in materialistic age, expert says
Hongkongers who line up for 'loans' from the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, or ask old ladies to beat paper effigies of their enemies with shoes are distorting the true meanings of two ancient rituals, according to an expert on local customs.
The act of seeking and returning a lucky 'loan' during Kuan Yin festivals was originally meant to emphasise honesty, said Roger Ho Yao-sheng, executive director of the Conservancy Association's Centre for Heritage.
And the practice of da siu yan - literally meaning to beat a petty person - was designed to drive away evil and illness, he said.
But Hongkongers who took part in such rituals were missing the point, Mr Ho said.
He said these examples showed a need to preserve the city's intangible heritage and historical buildings.
'The stories behind the buildings are important,' Mr Ho said. 'But culture and civilisation have been overlooked.'
Mr Ho is curator of an exhibition showcasing local customs and rituals at the Centre for Heritage in Sai Ying Pun until March 29.
