News

    The second “Picnic with Tung Blossom, Art and Tea” event of the “2017 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival-Great Tung Blossom of Nantou” series kicked off at the Tung Blossom Boulevard behind the Xinan Elementary School on April 29. It was hosted by Deputy County Mayor Chen Chengsheng, council members Liao Chihcheng, Wang Tsaiyun and Lin Fengyu also participated. This year’s event featured the tradition of sky worship, a ceremony led by the deputy county mayor and three council members. The process was simple yet solemn and the event was also exciting and lively, attracted many local residents and their families.

    Deputy Mayor Chen said that there are roughly twenty thousand Hakka residents in Puli Township and many Hakka traditions were preserved. In addition to an abundance of Hakka culture and creative industry members, Puli is also full of Hakka delicacies. Hakka cuisine is integrated with local industries, forming uniquely local dishes that are quite unforgettable. This year’s iteration of the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival carried on the tradition from previous years, showcasing the prosperity of Hakka culture and industry. The sky worshipping ceremony was added to showcase the toughness of the Hakka people. The event was also meaningful as it promoted respect for nature as well as love for all creatures, hoping to generate environmental awareness in the next generation.

    The event opened with the spirited beats of the Xinan Elementary School taiko drum procession. The sky worshipping ceremony followed, led by Deputy Mayor Chen and the VIPs. The Nan Gwang Elementary School choir also performed traditional music in honor of the ancestors. Local social development associations, dance troupes and the elderly also performed pieces featuring their interpretation of the Tung Blossom image. The band Gina’s Can performed Hakka pop music, adding a modern twist to the traditional music. It was quite a spectacle.

    In addition to the local culture and creative industry’s Hakka Tung Flower Party, the event also featured the “Tung Blossoms, Art and Tea” painting activity. Participants received a tea cup free of charge. They may then enjoy free drinks such as organic jaboticaba vinegar, Anoectohilus formosanus tea and mountain tea at the event stands. Visitors rushed to participate, painting the tea cup with their children. The renowned 18oC also provided German electric tricycles for visitors to try out. The whole experience was lively and fun.