Chinese Culture in Hong Kong

Restaurant Opening Ceremony

The Chinese dim sum restaurant we used to go to a lot closed down a few months ago because their landlord has demanded more rent than they can afford.  Since then, every time I bumped into the restaurant owner on Cheung Chau I asked "Where's my dim sum?" and he always said "we are still looking" or "we are still negotiating".  Suddenly a month ago, I saw two premises were being renovated - his restaurant is back.

On 2nd February Golden Crown Restaurant is officially opened.  We went at lunch time to see the new restaurant.  The boss was busily greeting and nodding to all the old customers while the Fung Shui expert was giving instructions to him about what's required for the opening ceremony.

Worship the god - Kwan Gon

Chinese dim sum restaurant starts very early in the morning.  The kitchen starts working at 2 or 3am because most dim sum restaurants open at 6am for the loyal retired old customers.  I was still in bed at 6am so I don't know if there is any ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning but I happened to see the Kwan Gon worshipping ceremony in the afternoon.

In the restaurant, there is an altar for Kwan Gon (God of Justice) and underneath Kwan Gon is the God of Earth.  In front of these two gods is a table full of offerings like roasted suckling pig, a steamed chicken, a pair of deep fried fish, 3 Chinese wine in brass cups, joss sticks in pot and pieces of paper full of charm. The Fung Shui expert also asked for some fruits (not for himself, of course) for the offering.  When everything is ready, the boss gathered other partners to start worshipping.

To start with, there is a basin on the floor where the paper with charms on is burned. Then everyone takes turn to pick up some joss sticks, half-bow to Kwan-gon's statue for 3 times and put the joss sticks into the pot (which is full of tightly packed fine ashes) on the table. 

After the offering of joss sticks, the roasted pig is cut up and share by the people involved.  That's the end of the ceremony.

Normally, I will expect a lion dance outside the restaurant and then move in to the restaurant and bow to Kwan Gon.  Maybe I have missed in it the morning.

Write Your Own Hotel Review -- Earn US$25