Peng Chau Tin Hau Festival 坪洲天后誕
Date: 23 March of Lunar calendar (22nd April in 2014)
Introduction to Tin Hau
Tin Hau, also known as Mazu, is the Chinese goddess of the sea. It is believed that she protects the fishermen and sailors. She is widely worshipped in the coastal areas of China, as well as in East and Southeast Asia.
Tin Hau was born in Fujian Province, and is called Lin Moniang(林默娘). It is said that she was amazingly talented. She was a fortuneteller and a doctor, who saved people from marine accidents. People worshipped her and built a temple for her after her death,a special festival is held every year.
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Picture from https://www.facebook.com/TinHauFestival
22 March of the Lunar calendar:
A ceremony for picking up Tin Hau. Worship in front of the Tin Hau Temple.
At night, the car would literally pick up the Tin Hau.
People worship her by burning candles and placing food in front of the temple.
23 March of the Lunar calendar:
There will be Qilin and Lion Dance in front of the temple. At this time, the lions give presents to Tin Hau.
After worshipping Tin Hau in the temple, there will be a parade, which will show a folk dance, traditional flower-fire works , lion dance, etc.
Other activities include Chinese Opera, which is a well-known part of Hong Kong and Chinese traditional culture..