(Hong Kong, September 6, 2016) Hang Lung As One volunteers together with a group of children from underprivileged families in Tuen Mun paid a visit to Pok Fu Lam Village, the oldest village on Hong Kong Island last Saturday (September 3). As the younger generation may only be familiar with mooncakes and lanterns as ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, this trip was designed to give new perspectives steeped in the century-old cultural custom of the traditional fire dragon dance. Volunteers and children got to try their hand at crafting a fire dragon using bamboo and straw to make the massive 10-meter-long and three-meter-high dragon which is used for the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Joining the Hong Kong-born-and-raised volunteers and children who participated in the fun outing were other youngsters of South Asian ethnicity and Assistant Director (Central Leasing) of Hang Lung Properties, Mr. Mikael Jaeraas, who hails from Sweden and has been working in Hong Kong for just two years. Mr. Jaeraas was fascinated by this cross-cultural event.
Sadia Asif, a participating student from Tuen Mun, said, “The Fire Dragon Dance is one of the unique traditions of Hong Kong. This activity gives us opportunity to learn more about the local culture and history. We should help to preserve this precious culture heritage and promote it.”
Mr. Jaeraas said, “Among the many traditional Chinese festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival is my favourite. I enjoy the festivities by celebrating with my colleagues and it’s great to know Pok Fu Lam’s villagers still celebrate the festival with the Fire Dragon. This activity has broadened my horizons.”
The Hang Lung As One volunteer team launched its latest series of activities named the “Cultural Heritage Series” in 2016. Hang Lung volunteers have accompanied the younger generation to get a taste of traditional arts and crafts including the Cantonese Opera, Fire Dragon Dance for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Moveable Type Printing, and the Bamboo Theatre. Hang Lung hopes that our youngsters will be inspired to think about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and making them a sustainable part of our lives in the world today.
