More than superstitious : 'pray Tai sui' as an intangible cultural heritage on a local scale in Hong Kong

Abstract

Pray Tai Sui (PTS) is a folk custom in which individuals seek good fortune and ward off misfortune by worshipping Tai Suis Gods and Dou-Lau to receive their blessings for the year. Commonly practiced in folk temples throughout Hong Kong, this custom has yet to be officially recognized as part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. This paper delves into the PTS custom in Hong Kong, analyzing its characteristics and its role as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Through on-site field investigation and observations at Yuen Yuen Institute, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Sheung Wan Man Mo Temple, this study identifies both commonalities and variations in PTS procedures. In addition, a survey was conducted to determine if PTS meets the ICH inscription criteria in Hong Kong, and to understand community perceptions of PTS as both a folk custom and Fengshui-related ritual. The survey revealed the major role of families in transmitting knowledge related to PTS. When evaluating PTS against the ICH criteria from in UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, it emerged that PTS’s main challenge to official recognition is its limited contribution to enhancing the community’s sense of identity. Nevertheless, the intrinsic value of PTS, with its unique procedures, rich historical background, and widespread practice, remains clear. This not only highlights its importance within the fabric of Hong Kong’s cultural traditions, but also emphasizes the need for local recognition of folk customs that contribute to Hong Kong’s cultural diversity.