LCSD updates Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory and Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) recently announced the addition of four Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) items to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong. These items include the Lantern Lighting Ritual, Tai Po Night Dragon Boat Parade, Yu Lan Festival, and Guangcai, also known as Canton Famille Rose Porcelain Making Technique. This update brings the total to 24 items on the list.

Additionally, 34 new items have been integrated into the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH Inventory), expanding the total from 480 to 507 items. This action aligns with Article 12 of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH by UNESCO, which mandates that each State Party should maintain updated inventories to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.

Public consultations conducted by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from August to September led to these inclusions. The ICH Advisory Committee reviewed all feedback before finalizing the lists, which the government has now officially accepted and promulgated.

The newly listed items on the Representative List are notable for their cultural significance and the urgent need for preservation. For example, the Lantern Lighting Ritual, performed during the first lunar month, is a vital tradition where newborn sons are introduced to ancestors and deities, marking their acceptance into the family lineage.

The Tai Po Night Dragon Boat Parade, held during the Dragon Boat Festival, strengthens community bonds with its vibrant water parades in traditional fishing areas like Tai Po and Tai O. This event is crucial for praying for community safety and blessings from deities.

The Yu Lan Festival, observed in various districts by different ethnic groups, involves rituals performed by specialists to honor ancestors and pacify wandering ghosts, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong.

Lastly, the Guangcai Making Technique, a traditional craftsmanship of overglaze decoration on porcelain, showcases a blend of Chinese and Western styles unique to Hong Kong, known locally as Gangcai.

Further details about these and other items can be found on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office’s website, where the updated ICH Inventory and Representative List are available for public inspection.