Birthday of Tin Hau

Third Moon, Day 23

(April/May) Click for western date >>

All those who owe their livelihood to the sea praise Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea.

Tin Hau's birthday is celebrated to bring safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year. There are celebrations at Tin Hau temples all over Hong Kong. Seafarers adorn boats with colourful ribbons praising the goddess for past protection and praying for future luck. Boats are loaded with symbols of devotion and offerings to the goddess.

The festival in her honour culminates in a procession and is characterised by floral paper offerings known as fa pau. Every year Joss House Bay, in Sai Kung, hosts a vivid celebration, where traditional rites are observed at the temple. In Yuen Long, in the New Territories, a parade takes place with lion dances.