China
HK: Bun scrambling competition at Cheung Chau Bun Festival
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Source: CCTV.com | 05-25-2007 10:03
Special Report: HK 10 Years |
Fireworks explode on a tower with mock buns after a 'bun-scrambling' event as part of the Bun Festival on the tiny island of Cheung Chau in Hong Kong early May 25, 2007. REUTERS/Bobby Yip (CHINA)
Hong Kong's largest fishing island celebrated its annual Bun Festival Thursday. Contestants climbed a 10 metre tower on Cheung Chau trying to grab as many of the cakes as possible.
Dancing lions and fire crackers. The celebration took place in front of the Cheung Chau Pak Tai Temple at midnight Thursday.
It started with a strike of the gong and competitors rushing up the bun tower a symbol of good luck. This is the first year the buns have been made of plastic.
It's the third bun snatching and there were no surprises as to who would get the most buns in three minutes. Kwok Ka-ming came in first again after winning the last two competitions.
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The Taoist rite can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when Cheung Chau was devastated by a storm then a devastating plague outbreak.
Locals held a ceremony to placate the gods and clear the bad luck from the island.
The festival is now timed to coincide with Buddha's birthday.
Three days prior to the festival, islanders stick to a vegetarian diet.
It's believed the buns ensure smooth sailing and a good catch for fishing boats.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
