Bringing classic traditions back to life

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office has launched the "Fun in ICH" series to introduce the traditional funeral rite Breaking Hell Gate and Nanyin.

Breaking Hell Gate is part of the traditional funeral rite that guides the souls of the deceased from the netherworld to reincarnation.

In Cantonese Taoism, after a person dies, their soul faces judgment from the ten kings of the underworld.

Leung Chun, a Taoist priest with over 30 years ' experience, will hold two talks to introduce the traditional funeral rite at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum's first-floor theatre on December 15 and 22.

Nanyin is a traditional music form that is popular in the Pearl River Delta region. It is performed in various contexts including Cantonese operas, Guangdong "murmuring prayers," Taoist rituals, celebrations and funeral rites.

The local troupe The Gong Strikes One will introduce and perform a Nanyin on December 21 at the hall on the first floor of the Hong Kong Museum of Art.