Lantern Lighting Ritual

In Hong Kong, many lineages perform the lantern lighting ritual during the first lunar month to inform ancestors, deities and family members about the newborn sons in the family. The newborn son is also officially recognised as a new member of the lineage. The lantern lighting ritual mainly comprises three parts, namely lantern opening, lantern celebration and lantern completion. The completed ceremony is often followed by a banquet for clansmen, who witness the confirmation of the official status of the new male member after they are served ceremonial liquor and porridge. Lantern lighting is an important tradition of a lineage. It reflects the good wishes to the newborn boys of the clan, and symbolises deities' blessing. The ceremony also provides an opportunity for different generations to gather together, consolidating the whole lineage and demonstrating the traditional culture of Hong Kong's lineages and villages.

 

 

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