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Religion in Hong Kong

Religion in Hong Kong . The Religious Environment of Hong Kong is based on two things: Practicality and superstition Oh, by the way, yes, there is freedom of religion, so don’t worry . Religion and Ethnicity in Hong Kong. Religion. Ethnicity. Traditional Chinese Religion. Practical.

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Religion in Hong Kong

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  1. Religion in Hong Kong The Religious Environment of Hong Kong is based on two things: Practicality and superstition Oh, by the way, yes, there is freedom of religion, so don’t worry 

  2. Religion and Ethnicity in Hong Kong Religion Ethnicity

  3. Traditional Chinese Religion Practical Superstitious (Da siuyan)

  4. Chinese Religions Explained Practicality means that religion is only a way to an end, not an end in itself. If a God doesn’t “perform”, it gets thrown out Superstitious is exactly what it says Chinese religion is syncretistic, combining ideas from Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism

  5. Christianity in Hong Kong • Christianity came with the British, holds steady at around 7% of the population • Christian schools have made large impact in society • Many prominent HK leaders are Christian • Very powerful shows of support like Jesus marches, large prayer gatherings, etc • Seen as a bit westernized and proportionally greater influence than its 7% would suggest

  6. Christianity in popular culture • Use of churches for weddings very popular for non-Christians • Seen as “too western” • As a significant minority, most Hkers have a basic idea of what Christianity is, and conversion is not overly difficult. • Christians portrayed as goody-two shoes

  7. Islam and Indian Religions Islam: 200,000 in Hk Sikhism and hinduism: About 45,000

  8. Islam and Sikhism, Hinduism Muslims in HK come from many backgrounds, but the large influx of Indonesian domestic helpers means Islam is increasing in HK Sikhs and other Indians came to HK with the British to work as policemen and soldiers. Many stayed after 1997 and today the Indian community is so local that they speak Cantonese perfectly

  9. Ethnic Groups of Hong Kong A cultural mosaic (to borrow a phrase Canadians love so much)

  10. The Chinese • Being in China, the Chinese are 95% of the population • HK can be considered “China for wimps” for travellers who want an “easier” travel experience • The Chinese in HK come from all over China, but predominantly Guangdong (Canton)

  11. Canton, Chiu Chow, Shanghai • The three largest groups of Chinese in HK come from Canton (Guangzhou), Chiu Chow (Teochew or Chaozhou) and Shanghai • Shanghainese businessmen have been a longstanding part of the HK scene • Lee Ka-Shing, richest man in HK, is Chiu Chow • Our own grandfather came from Canton

  12. The Chinese of Hong Kong • The Chinese groups have intermingled for generations and are quite comfortable with each other • Hardworking, thrifty • Can work at extremely high speed • Single-minded pursuit of money, but that has changed post-SARS • Devoted to family, superstitious • Adores food and drink due to history of famine • Blunt to others but doesn’t mind personal questions themselves (also changing) • Tends to be very loud in conversation compared to North Americans • Openly flaunts wealth, very materialistic and calculating with money • Values education highly, often too highly • Very competitive business atmosphere

  13. The British (and other English speakers) • As former colonials, the British of HK are another longstanding community • Traditionally Anglican, now mostly secular • Aussies and Kiwis more numerous post-1997 • Hang out around bar district and get drunk • Many are Young professionals nowadays, old colonial generation dying off

  14. Indonesians and Filipinos Indonesians Filipinos

  15. Southeast Asian Domestic Helpers Starting in the 1980s, Hker’s busy lifestyles made them hire women from the Philippines and Indonesia as domestic helpers Filipinos speak English, and Hkers wanted their kids to learn English Filipinos were usually hired by young families for their children, as parents were too busy to take care of kids. Indonesian domestic helpers were hired to take care of seniors and families, and were trained to speak Cantonese and cook Chinese food Filipinos are mostly Catholic and Indonesians are mostly Muslim. Every Sunday is their day off and parks in HK are full of laughing, playing and relaxing domestic helpers Quite a sad situation as many domestic helpers are university graduates, but can earn more doing these jobs in HK than in professions back home

  16. Domestic helpers on their free day

  17. The South Asian Community • Came with the British to work as police • Slow but steady immigration over the years • Assimilated into HK society by speaking Cantonese, opening businesses • (Guy on right is speaking Cantonese)

  18. Other Nations • As a cosmopolitan city, HK attracts ppl from all countries in Asia, Europe and North America • tens of thousands of Koreans, Japanese live here for work. Most integrate decently enough as Korean and Japanese culture shares many traits with Chinese culture • Another several thousand Europeans live in HK for work or study. An increasing number of European students are studying in HK • Yes, there are many Americans and Canadians too. • ABCs and CBCs come here for work

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