Approximately 8,000 Chinese people from around the world gathered in Hong Kong on Monday, to attend the 2016 Ching Ming Ancestral Commemoration Ceremony for "forefathers of some 23,000 surnames" at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

Elsie Leung Oi-sie, deputy director of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee and former secretary for justice, was invited to be the guest of honor at the ceremony.

Leung said that paying respects to ancestors was a traditional way for Chinese people to remember where they came from - and a vital link between the past, present and future. It also helped to carry forward the time-honored virtues of their forefathers, she added.

Leung made the remarks after an hour-long ritual conducted in a solemn, yet inspiring manner.

"History has told us that 'for governing a country and guiding its people, priority should be given to education', likewise, for solving current social disputes and unrest, traditional Chinese education is the answer," Venerable Master Chin Kung told China Daily.

Chin Kung is a 90-year-old master of Buddhism who has been promoting the Buddhist way of life for over 58 years.

The ceremony has been held consecutively for five years and has attracted more than 1 million participants.

"In the age of globalization, honoring and remembering our forefathers helps us to revitalize their traditional teachings," said Tsai Li-hsu, a representative of the host of the ceremony, the Hong Kong Buddhist Education Foundation.

The event took place during the Ching Ming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day. This is a one-day public holiday in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to honor people who have passed away.

Originally conducted by individual families, the tradition is now more frequently seen in large-scale ancestor worship rituals.

The tomb sweeping tradition has been practiced by Chinese people for centuries. The Ching Ming Festival is also seen as an opportunity for both mainland and Hong Kong people to better appreciate traditional Chinese culture and the wisdom and virtues of their ancestors.

boblee@chinadailyhk.com

Ritual procedures being observed during the 2016 Ching Ming Ancestral Commemoration Ceremony at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on Monday. About 8,000 Chinese people from around the world attended the ceremony. Photos provided to China Daily

Elsie Leung Oi-sie, deputy director of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee and former secretary for justice, officiates at the ceremony as the guest of honor.

 

An ancestral commemoration text is read out during the service. Above: The performance of an orchestra with Chinese instruments adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

A performer enthusiastically beats a drum during the ceremony.

The performance of an orchestra with Chinese instruments adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Venerable Master Chin Kung, a 90-year-old master of Buddhism, attends the ceremony with representatives from other religions.

Elsie Leung said that paying respects to their ancestors was a traditional way for Chinese to celebrate life's joys, while remembering where they came from.

(HK Edition 04/05/2016 page8)