Tai Wong protects local residents. Constructed before 1902, Tai Wong Temple has only one chamber. It is quite small compared to others in Coloane. The early inhabitants of Hac Sa Village were mostly fishermen and farmers. They worshipped Tai Wong to pray for safe sea voyages. Now most people in the village no longer rely on fishing. However, the tradition of worshipping Tai Wong has been preserved. Tai Wong is considered the patron deity of the village.
Hung Shing Tai Wong is also known as Hung Shing Ye. He is worshipped as a sea deity by residents and fishermen. They live in the coastal areas of southern China. There are many temples in Macao dedicated to Hung Shing Tai Wong. His birthday falls on the 13th day of the second lunar month. The Tai Wong Temple in Hac Sa Village of Coloane is the largest.
Tai Wong Celebrations are held annually. It takes place on the 15th day of the second lunar month. These are the characteristic folk celebrations of Hac Sa Village.
Tai Wong Celebrations are a grand occasion. A large number of people usually attend. Residents of the Hac Sa Village perform a series of rituals in the Tai Wong Temple. These rituals include incense burning and sacrifice offering. There is also distribution of auspicious meat. Dragon and lion dances are performed. Parades happen, accompanying the so-called Choy Cheng. This means plucking the greens. People burn firecrackers and attend Poon Choi banquets. It is a traditional feast. The dish is served in a big wooden basin at each table. In recent years, the scale of the celebrations has been expanding. It has become an important occasion. Inhabitants and their family members of the Hac Sa Village renew family bonds. It strengthens unity among the community.
Tai Wong Celebrations are important traditional folk activities. They take place in the Hac Sa Village of Coloane. The celebrations reveal deep respect for nature. The residents of the village show this respect. This event represents the transmission and continuity of Taoist beliefs. It is within the context of traditional folk culture of the coastal areas of China. The rituals reveal important elements. They are important for the study of the folk culture of Macao.
Hung Shing was a government official. He lived in present-day Panyu. It is a district of Guangzhou during the Tang Dynasty. This was one of China’s golden ages. He was an ardent supporter of science. He promoted mathematics, astronomy and geography. He built an observatory. This helped him better understand the weather. In a volatile region typhoons are common. His contributions saved the lives of many people. This was especially true for fishermen and sea traders. After his death, Hung Shing’s stature rose. He became a deity. He is credited with protecting against natural disasters. He is also known as the Great King or Tai Wong. He is especially revered in Southern China, Macau and Hong Kong.