ICH Mission – Lecture on Craftsmanship of Tai Hang Fire Dragon

Date: 22 September 2017 (Friday)

Time: 7:30-9:30 pm

Venue: Tai Hang Residents' Welfare Association (121 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong)

 

Legend has it that a plague broke out in Tai Hang in 1880. In the hope of stopping the plague, the villagers made a dragon with joss sticks inserted onto the frame, and paraded the dragon through the village on three evenings of Mid-Autumn Festival. The plague ended after the event. From then on, the villagers perform a three-day fire dragon dance every year for blessing. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance has a history of over 130 years and was inscribed onto the third national list of intangible cultural heritage of China in 2011. The fire dragon of Tai Hang is 240 feet long, made with a special kind of hay called "pearl grass," in which "longevity joss sticks" are inserted. The dance of fire dragon is a spectacular sight during the night.

In the lectures, Mr. CHAN Tak-fai, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance Commander-in-Chief, will introduce the history of the fire dragon dance and will give a demonstration of the dragon-making techniques. Participants may also have a chance to play the dragon head which weighs over 40 catties and to try using "pearl grass" to make a part of dragon body. It is a valuable opportunity for you to experience the traditional craftsmanship of Tai Hang Fire Dragon at first hand.

 

Lecture on Craftsmanship of Tai Hang Fire Dragon