Tin Hau Festival, China
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Tin Hau Festival is celebrated on the Birthday of Tin Hau. This festival is not declared as a public holiday in China. But those staying closer to the Tin Hau temple can get to see a lot of festivities.
In some places the festival is also known as Matsu meaning mother ancestor. It is named after Lin Muoniang, who after her death became the Taoist Goddess of the Sea. She is the goddess who is believed to have been protecting fishermen and sailors while they are on a voyage. There are nearly 60 temples of Tin Hau in Hong Kong built during the Ching dynasty.
Joss House Bay in a fishing village named Sai Kung, celebrates this day through several traditional rituals. The Tin Hau temple at Sai Kung is known as the "big temple," as it is the only major temple in this locality. At Yuen Long of New Territories colorful lion dances and parades take place. From children to elderly people they all get dressed up in new clothes and take part in the ceremonies of Tin Hau Festival. Delicious food is cooked and all the family members sit together to have their meals. In few areas people also exchange gifts.
