Ancestor worshippers undeterred by heat and rising costs

Tens of thousands of citizens participated in tomb sweeping activities during the Ching Ming Festival yesterday, demonstrating their dedication to honoring their ancestors despite the challenging economic conditions.

At the Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery, families brought various offerings, including meat, fruit, and other items.

Due to road closures in the vicinity, people had to hike up the mountain, braving the scorching heat with towels, umbrellas and portable fans in hand, as temperatures reached 31 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The Cape Collinson Chinese Permanent Cemetery in Chai Wan also saw a significant turnout, with a queue extending about 210 meters long before visitors could even access the escalator leading uphill. However, the recently constructed facilities in Cape Collinson, including the escalator installed last October, have made tomb-sweeping more accessible.

Residents now have the option to take the escalator on San Ha Street instead of relying on transportation or hiking.

Over 300 individuals were observed using the escalator in the morning, and many praised its speed and convenience, especially for the elderly.

One citizen named Ng expressed satisfaction, saying: "The escalator travels fast and throughput is high. Even if the queue reaches the entrance of the shopping mall far away, it takes only 15 minutes to reach the hill, which is very convenient."

Meanwhile, at the Tsang Tsui Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance in Tuen Mun, more than 1,500 people formed long queues for joss paper burners, leading some individuals to abandon their wait due to overcrowding.

At the Diamond Hill Crematorium, citizens said this year's offerings were 10 percent to 20 percent more expensive than in previous years.

However, a shop selling paper offerings in Diamond Hill experienced a sales increase of over 10 percent. The owner, Mr Lee, attributed the surge in sales to people's desire to seek blessings from their ancestors in the face of the economic downturn.

Despite the challenging circumstances, some individuals, including Chan and her family, continued the tradition of tomb sweeping, bringing paper offerings and fruits costing around HK$100.

"We did not go tomb sweeping during the pandemic, and I find it tiring when hiking uphill. But we still came this year as it is a tradition to follow at this festival," she said.

For some others, visiting their ancestors' graves meant traveling to the mainland. In Yau Ma Tei, a coach operator noted a 30 percent increase in the number of people traveling north to pay tribute to their ancestors compared to the previous year. Some passengers said their customs include bringing roast pork, chicken and joss paper, and they make the journey back to the mainland every year by coach.

However, others preferred to take the MTR to the mainland and then switch to buses upon arrival, considering it a more cost-effective option.

Lau, who visited his ancestors' graves in Dapeng Wan, Shenzhen, said: "It is more expensive to take a coach. Elderly individuals do not have transport fare concessions for coaches, therefore MTR is much cheaper and worth it."

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan represented the SAR government during yesterday's events. She visited the Wo Hop Shek Public Cemetery to pay tribute to public servants who died in the line of duty. In addition, she laid wreaths for the victims of the Manila hostage incident in 2010.

Amidst the tomb sweeping activities, the Yellow Fire Danger Warning was in effect, and until 4pm yesterday, authorities received at least 30 reports of hillfires. In the morning, a hillfire on Lantau Island trapped 27 hikers, prompting rescuers to deploy fire boats and helicopters to combat the blaze.

All stranded hikers were rescued unharmed.

charlotte.wu@singtaonewscorp.com