Subject talks on "Integrating Past with Present: The Journey of Tung Wah's Intangible Heritage through Time"

Co-Organised by TWGHs Records and Heritage Office and Hong Kong Public Libraries

Subject Talks on " Integrating Past with Present: The Journey of Tung Wah's Intangible Heritage through Time " 

First talk "Man Mo Temple Autumn Sacrificial Rites" (held on 7 September 2024)

Speaker: Mr Vandesar LEUNG (Assistant Senior Traditional Services Manager, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals)

Venue: Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

Language: Cantonese

Introduction: TWGHs Man Mo Temple, located on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, was built in 1847. It was named after the deities revered in the temple – Man Cheong, the God of Literature, and Kwan Tai, the Martial God. A building cluster of immense historical and cultural significance, the temple was declared a monument by the Hong Kong Government in November 2010. The Man Mo Temple Autumn Sacrificial Rites, an intangible cultural heritage item of Hong Kong, has been held annually since 1957. Upholding Chinese cultural traditions, the officiating guests and directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals perform the Sanxian Ritual (Three Presentation Ritual) in traditional black ceremonial robes.

Recording of the lecture: https://rho.tungwah.org.hk/en/videos

Second talk "Elegance in Hong Kong – Cheongsam, Cultural Integration and Symbol of Identity" (held on 12 October 2024)

Speakers: Dr Haze NG (Assistant Professor, School of Fashion & Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University cum Committee Member of Hong Kong Cheongsam Association) & Ms Eunice LEE (Committee Member of Hong Kong Cheongsam Association)

Venue: Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

Language: Cantonese

Introduction: Since its introduction to Hong Kong in the beginning of the 20th century, the cheongsam has developed into an internationally recognised iconic Chinese costume, deeply embedded in the city’s unique cultural ecology. From everyday attire to ceremonial costume, its evolution has been closely linked to local social practices, providing a sense of identity for the Chinese community. The cheongsam is a symbol of identity on multiple levels: in different ancestral groups and social communities, there are corresponding variations, applications and interpretations. This talk will examine how, over the past century, men’s and women’s cheongsam have reflected the changes in society and become an important component of Hong Kong culture. It will also explore topics such as the sense of identity and lifestyle of Hong Kong people and globalisation through the cheongsam. 

Recording of the lecture: https://rho.tungwah.org.hk/en/videos

Third talk "Perpetuation of Cantonese Opera in the Early Days through Tung Wah’s Archives" (held on 16 November 2024)

Speaker: Mr Brian LAM (Museum Director, Hong Kong Heritage Museum)

Venue: Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

Language: Cantonese

Introduction: Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 and its early development is closely related to Hong Kong. The TWGHs archives shed light on Cantonese opera performances in Hong Kong during the 19th century, offering information on their performing venues, the names of the opera troupes as well as their contribution to charitable causes. Utilising the archives of Tung Wah and other historical materials, the speaker will explore the transformation of Cantonese opera from rural festive entertainment to an urban theatrical performance, and how Cantonese opera singers have progressively gained social recognition.