Hong Kong

Religion

:Main article: Religion in Hong Kong

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Religion plays an important role in many Hong Kongers' lives. Unlike the mainland, Hong Kong enjoys total freedom of religion. Most of Hong Kong's population is either Buddhist or Taoist, and ancestor worship is predominant due to the strong Confucian influence, but there are also about half a million Christians or about 10 % of the total population, who are roughly equally divided between Catholics and Protestants. There are also an estimated 70,000 Muslims, between 2,000 and 3,000 Jews, and a few Hindus, Sikhs and Bahais are also present. Apart from offering religious instructions, many major religious bodies have established schools and provided social welfare facilities.

Related Topics:
Buddhist - Taoist - Ancestor worship - Confucian - Christians - Catholics - Protestants - Muslim - Jews - Hindus - Sikhs - Bahais - Social welfare

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There are some fears that Beijing may interfere with Hong Kong's freedom of religion in the future, particularly in light of the crackdown on Falun Gong, which is not outlawed in Hong Kong. The religious beliefs are tied to the region's first needs, which are those of the fishing community. Tin Hau, the protector of seafarers, is honoured with several temples throughout Hong Kong. The average Hong Konger goes to Taoist or Buddhist temples to appease the deities and, usually, to ask for compassion or good fortune. Gifts of food, and in particular fruit, are presented, and incense and paper offerings are burnt in respect.

Related Topics:
Beijing - Falun Gong - Fishing - Tin Hau - Temple - Food - Fruit - Incense - Paper

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