The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHINESE FESTIVAL

"CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL" IS A RELIGIOUS CARNIVAL ON
THE ISLAND OF CHEUNG CHAU (AN ISLAND A FEW SEA MILES
FROM HONG KONG). IT USUALLY LASTS FOUR DAYS TOWARDS
THE LATTER PART OF THE THIRD MOON, GENERALLY IN EARLY MAY.
THERE WILL BE FLOAT PROCESSIONS, LION DANCES, BRIGHT
LIGHTS AND GAUDY DECORATIONS. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE
FESTIVAL IS THE "ASSAULT OF THE BUN HILLS." THE
HILLS UP TO SIXTY FEET HIGH ARE BUILT ENTIRELY OUT OF
PINK SUGAR BUNS, THOUSANDS OF THEM.
THESE BUNS ARE BLESSED AND THOSE WHO EAT THEM,
ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN, WILL BE CLEVER AND GROW UP
TALL AND MUSCULAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Date learned: 02-24-1968