Joss House Bay Tin Hau Festival

Event: Joss House Bay Tin Hau Festival (大廟灣天后誕)
Place: Joss House Bay (Tai Miu Wan), Sai Kung, New Territories
Date: 9 May, 2007
Equipment: Canon 30D, Canon EF 24 – 105 mm F4.0L, B+W CPL

On 9 May 2007, Hong Kong celebrates the birthday of Tin Hau, also known as the Queen of Heaven and Goddess of the Sea, who enjoys a special place in people’s hearts thanks to the territory’s long maritime history. Many people in Hong Kong still owe their livelihood to the sea and celebrate Tin Hau’s birthday in grand style every year.

According to legend, Tin Hau was born a thousand years ago and was the daughter of a fisherman in China. As a child she had the gift of predicting storms and on one occasion she saved her father’s boat during a fearful storm. Over the years, stories were told about how Tin Hau had saved fishermen from drowning by pulling their boats to shore, and soon temples dedicated to her dotted the coastline.

To celebrate this auspicious occasion, fishermen decorate their boats and gather at Tin Hau temples to pray for fine weather and good catches during the coming year. Every year, fishermen gather for a big celebration at Joss House Bay, and traditional rites are performed at the temple.