Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ABCs of Tao
During your stay in Hong Kong, you might see temples guarded by strongly coloured and fierce-looking gods.
These are Taoist temples. Taoism is an indigenous Chinese religion originating in the shamanistic roots of
Chinese civilisation. Though never declared a national religion, it thrived from the Tang to the Ming dynasties,
and its influence has been ubiquitous in Chinese life. Unlike evangelical religions stressing crusading and person-
al conversion, Taoism addresses needs such as cures for illnesses, protection from evil spirits and funerary re-
quirements. Unlike Buddhism, it does not attempt to sublimate the mundane.
Tao for the Road
In contemporary Hong Kong, construction projects, including those commissioned by the government and
foreign-owned companies, are preceded by a ritual performed to appease the deities of nature, such as those rul-
ing the earth. Offerings of fruit are piled on a makeshift shrine and incense sticks are lit. Similar rituals take place
before the official shooting of a film or the opening of a new shop. It is believed that keeping the deities happy is
important for health, safety and feng shui, the last a belief partly influenced by Taoism.
Tao for the Dead
The majority of funeral rites in Hong Kong are presided over by Taoist 'ritual specialists'. More colourful than
Buddhist ceremonies, Taoist rites feature the continuous chanting of the scriptures to the rhythmic striking of
muyu
(a wooden, hand-held, slit drum), and elaborate procedures including the sprinkling of flowers on the
ground to relieve bitterness.
Taoist Temples
During the first two weeks of the Lunar New Year, millions in Hong Kong pay their respects at Taoist temples.
These tend to be more decorative than Buddhist places of worship, and there are no nuns or monks in the ones in
Hong Kong, only the ritual specialists, who can marry and have children. Besides statues of mythical creatures in
the temples, you'll see representations of the cypress (for friendship), the tortoise (for longevity), bamboo (for
honour) and the bat (for divine blessing).
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