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Following a Faith |
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Hong Kong is a
multicultural city with a multiracial population living in harmony.
Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religions and ethnic
groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy. It is only
natural that facilities exist for all in this peaceful and eclectic
city. In Hong Kong, everyone is free to openly worship according to
their own beliefs. As most of the world's religions have places of
worship here, any religious group with special dietary requirements is
easily catered for in Hong Kong.
Along with Hong Kong's 80,000 followers of Islam, Muslim visitors can
continue their daily rituals in any of the city's mosques. The Jewish
Community Centre, meanwhile, has an extensive programme of activities
and associated organisations.
The Roman Catholic Church is also well served in Hong Kong. Indeed, it
even has its own
Web site where churches and services are
listed in both Chinese and English. Other denominations of Hong Kong’s
Christian community are also well represented, as are Buddhists,
Taoists, Hindus and Sikhs. |
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Isalam |
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Muslim Community
As a Muslim travelling outside your own country, you may have concerns
about how to perform your daily religious duties and maintain a
correct diet of halal food. Don't worry - you'll have no problems in
Hong Kong. So you can enjoy all the city has to offer. There are some
80,000 followers of the Islamic faith in Hong Kong. Most are Chinese -
Arab traders introduced the faith to China several centuries ago - but
there are also nationals of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia,
Indonesia and the Muslim countries of the Middle East and Africa.
Recognised by the Hong Kong Government as the governing body of local
Islamic affairs, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community
Fund of Hong Kong has its offices in the Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic
Centre in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island. The Board of Trustees is
responsible for the management and maintenance of mosques and
cemeteries, arrangements for the celebration of Muslim festivals -
including eid el-Fitr and eid el-Adhha - and the supervision of
charitable work.
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Mosques
Hong Kong's first mosque was opened soon after the Islamic faith was
introduced locally in the early 1850s. Shelley Street Mosque, with
its green-and-white minaret, was built in 1915 and still stands on
the original site in Central. Two other mosques have been
constructed in recent years. The Masjid Ammar on Hong Kong Island,
which forms part of the Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, is named
after a Hong Kong Muslim who helped to finance the project. Because
of site limitations, this eight-storey building departs from
traditional Moorish design in that it has a single minaret but no
dome. In addition to the mosque, the complex has a community hall, a
library, conference rooms, a clinic, a youth centre, a canteen and
offices.
The third mosque is the HK$26-million Kowloon Mosque and Islamic
Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. This three-storey building, with a
handsome dome and four minarets, is highlighted by marble grille
work and decorative arches. The mosque is located on the edge of
leafy Kowloon Park.
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Dining
The same warm welcome you'll receive in Hong Kong's mosques awaits
you in the many local restaurants that cater to Muslim visitors.
Every rule that governs authentic halal food preparation is strictly
followed. Not all items on the menu may be halal, however, so it is
always best to enquire before ordering. Most of the restaurants
listed below are operated by individual Muslim families who regard
such standards as a matter of honour. Or try Chinese vegetarian
cuisine that uses bean curd and various delicious vegetables to
create exciting and mouthwatering menus. Chinese vegetarian
restaurants also serve no meat, dairy products or alcohol. Look out
for the Buddhist swastika symbol or lotus blossom on restaurant
signs.
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Buddhism |
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Buddhist Community
Buddhism plays an important part in everyday Hong Kong life. There are
more than 400 Buddhist temples in Hong Kong and these smoky shrines,
laden with incense and offerings of fruit and flowers, can be seen
everywhere. Hong Kong's Buddhist temples often share both space and
gods with Taoism. Both are traditional Chinese religions and have
large local followings. The temples are busy every day of the year,
with devotees giving offerings to the gods in exchange for luck,
health and wealth. The most popular is Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven and
Protector of all Seafarers. She reflects Hong Kong's long dependence
on the sea. Other favourites include Kwan Tai - the God of War, Pak
Tai - Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven and Hung Shing - God of the
South Seas and a weather prophet. The most important day in the Hong
Kong Buddhist calendar is Buddha's Birthday. In the lunar calendar,
the day is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth moon (normally
in May). The day is a public holiday in Hong Kong and activities
celebrating the date can attract more than 300,000 people.
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Temples
There are more than 400 Buddhist temples in Hong Kong's and the
larger ones should be regarded among Hong Kongs not-to-be-missed
sightseeing attractions. Magnificently renovated in traditional
Tang-era architecture, the Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon is considered
a must-see. No nails were used in this multi-million dollar
renovation, only wooden dowelling and brackets. The 3.2-hectare
site, comprised of various Buddhist halls, is a living museum to the
Tang Dynasty (AD618-907). Situated on Lantau Island is Po Lin
Monastery, home to the largest, seated, outdoor, bronze Buddha in
the world. The statue was welded together from over 200 individually
cast bronze plates. It weighs 202 tonnes and stands - or rather sits
- 26 metres high and is one of the most popular tourist destinations
in Hong Kong.
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Dining
Buddhists can eat conveniently in Hong Kong. Devotees will have no
problem savouring excellent vegetarian food all over Hong Kong,
including at the restaurant inside Po Lin Monastery on Lantau
Island. There are many excellent Chinese vegetarian restaurants that
serve no meat, dairy products or alcohol. Chinese vegetarian cuisine
is famous for transforming bean curd, a variety of mushrooms and
fresh vegetables into exciting taste sensations. They are located
everywhere - just look for the Buddhist swastika symbol or lotus
blossom on restaurant signs.
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Christianity |
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Christian Community
Hong Kong is home to a lively Christian community. Dating back more
than 150 years, Hong Kong Christianity boasts an active practicing
base of more than 500,000 people. Visiting worshippers will have no
problems finding regular services, as well as numerous community
events and activities. The Protestant community is made up of more
than 1,300 congregations with more than 50 denominations represented,
the largest of which are the Baptists. Other major denominations
represented in Hong Kong are Adventist, Anglican, Christian Missionary
Alliance, Methodist, Pentecostal and Presbyterian. All sectors of the
Christian church play a prominent role in the Hong Kong community,
running schools, colleges, hospitals and social centres. Religious
services are conducted throughout Hong Kong in Cantonese and English.
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Churches
The impressive St John's Cathedral is believed to be the oldest
Anglican church in the Far East. Situated on Garden Road, in the
heart of Hong Kong's financial district, the cathedral was built in
1847. Originally built in a Gothic style, the structure has
undergone considerable additions and renovations. Today, the
cathedral remains both a peaceful downtown haven and one of Hong
Kong's main centres of Christian worship. The Catholic Cathedral on
Hong Kong Island's Caine Road is the physical and spiritual home of
Hong Kong's Roman Catholic community. It sits dwarfed by a plethora
of towering skyscrapers. Despite the surrounding buildings, the
other-era magic of the place can be seen and felt today. Built in
1888, the building is an imposing Gothic-style structure and home to
the Bishop of Hong Kong.
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Information provided by
Hong Kong Tourism Board. |
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