An excellent intangible cultural heritage : the Ma Hang Heung parade on the island of Peng Chau, Hong Kong

Abstract

Designated an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Hong Kong, Ma Hang Heung is a traditional ceremony and parade on the island of Peng Chau, held every 21st July of the lunar calendar to worship Tin Hau (the Goddess of Sea or Queen of Heaven) and is co-organized by the Peng Chau Rural Committee and various local sports associations on the island. The author’s mother and original family are indigenous villagers of Peng Chau and the author and her relatives are participants and organizers of various traditional festive celebrations in Peng Chau. Ma Hang Heung is one of the most representative celebrations at Peng Chau, attracting both former Peng Chau residents and tourists. A comprehensive record of Ma Hang Heung would be an important first step to document and conserve this unique and continuing ICH. This dissertation focuses on the documentation of Ma Hang Heung as intangible cultural heritage. The scope of the dissertation is to outline the cultural significance of Ma Hang Heung and to identify tangible elements such as buildings and routes and intangible elements such as organizers, activities and skills of Ma Hang Heung and its evolution to modern time today.