Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance: A Centuries-Old Tradition in Hong Kong
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Introduction
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Areas
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Era
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Date
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Introduction
For over a century, the event has been celebrated without fail. Tai Hang, originally a village inhabited by Hakka people, holds an intriguing history. It is said that in 1880, a devastating plague struck Tai Hang. In order to dispel this calamity and protect themselves from further harm, the resourceful villagers decided to create a magnificent dragon adorned with joss sticks.
As dusk fell on the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of the eighth lunar month each year, the villagers would proudly parade through their community with the fire dragon in tow while setting off vibrant firecrackers. Miraculously enough, after these three days of fervent celebration and prayer for divine intervention, the plague finally subsided.
Ever since that fateful year, it has become an annual tradition for Tai Hang’s residents to perform this captivating fire dragon dance as they earnestly beseech for peace and prosperity within their beloved village. The significance of this cultural spectacle was officially recognized when it was inscribed onto China’s third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in 2011.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Areas
Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Era
1840s to late 19th century
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance| Date
The 14th, 15th and 16th of the eighth lunar month
How did the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance help in warding off the plague?
During the outbreak of a devastating plague in Tai Hang in 1880, villagers crafted a dragon adorned with joss sticks and performed the fire dragon dance for three consecutive nights. It was believed that the smoke and the rhythmic movements of the dragon would…More Details
What are the special events in Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong?
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is marked by several special events that celebrate tradition and create a festive atmosphere. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a key highlight, where a mesmerizing dragon made of incense sticks dances…More Details