Week 6 - Cultural (03/03/12)

Although we have now resided in Hong Kong for well over a month and at times whilst it feels that we are long term residents, there is still so much about this beautiful and intrinsically diverse country that we have yet to observe, experience and learn about. Throughout the past number of weeks we have had many opportunities to fully immerse ourselves in the unique culture that radiates from the core of Hong Kong. 

Before traveling to Hong Kong, I had a very limited knowledge on the type of culture that would meet me here but one of the major aspects that I have found and one which, I am particularly interested in learning about is religion. Although it is recorded that around 57% of Hong Kongers do not practise any form of religion, this nation still stands on the foundations that religious freedom is a fundamental right that should be enjoyed and respected by all of its residents (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, 2011). As a result of this factor, many religious groups exist throughout the country, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. Personally, I am in awe of this fact and find it particularly refreshing to be situated in a place where different religions are accepted and often used to develop a peace and respect for others, instead of being used as an instrument of political influence or social divide, which has been in the past and continues to be the situation that we experience in Northern Ireland, although not to the same extent now. 

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple.

This week alone, we have experienced the notion that Hong Kong is persistent and committed to providing religious freedom for all, as we went to one of its most famous Temples. The Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is situated in North Kowloon and provides an open space for the three most popular religions, which are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, to worship and pray for spiritual enlightenment. As we walked around the temple, we were continuously amazed at the breathtaking architecture and colorful designs that can be so obviously linked to the Chinese culture and heritage. This experience lead me to think about the factors that could be linked to our culture and heritage in Northern Ireland. This is an issue that we have been continuously asked about by many of the people whom we have come in contact with and I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of appreciating and valuing your own culture. I am also starting to believe that the more you learn about different cultures, which exist around the world, the more you learn about your own culture.

Authentic design of the main altar.

As we spent time in this historical temple, we also were able to observe many people in an act of worship as they lit incense, knelt in prayer before the main altar and shook a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks.  Andrew and I were informed that people would shake these cylinders, whilst making a wish to their god until one fortune stick fell out, known as the practice of kau cim. This stick was then exchanged for a piece of paper containing a number, which would then be interpreted by a fortune teller, offering the individual worshipper an insight into their future. 

Practising kau cim at the main altar.

Women burning incense at the main altar.

Although I do not share the same religious views that were practiced at the temple, I could not help but be aware of the sheer passion and belief that these people had in their god and how they worshipped with freedom and confidence in the knowledge that they would not offend anyone else. This caused me to reflect on my own personal faith and made me wonder whether I show the same depth of passion and belief in my God, to those observing my life or whether my faith is suppressed in a hope not to offend others. 

Worshipping freely before their god.

Offerings of incense and fruit left as an act of worship.

From experiencing life so far in this country, I am subjected to the impression that Hong Kong’s culture is made up of a rich blend of many other cultures from around the world and indeed lives up to the description that it is a land where “East meets West”. In an act to display the truths of this very statement, the HKIEd International Office arranged a Cultural Dessert Night, allowing all different nationalities the opportunity to share details on their diverse cultures, through a presentation and through something which we all love - dessert! During this night, Andrew and I were able to share a little bit about our own culture and show some of the things that are important to Britain, as well as being able to enjoy a wide range of delicacies originating from over 15 different countries and gain an extensive insight into the cultures that influence and make up the international friends that we have found here. 

Preparing our dessert for the International Culture Dessert Night.

Gandhi (1921) states that ‘No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive’ and as Hong Kong thrives on the inclusion of various cultures in one place, it is clear to see that an abundance of life can be experienced here.

References:
Gandhi, M (1921) available at http://www.mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/chap90.htm, (accessed 03/03/2012).

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (2011) available at https://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/factsheets/docs/religion.pdf, (accessed 03/03/2012).