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The establishment of temples originated from peoples' belief in god or goddess and their reverence of historical heroes. Temples provide places for people to worship gods, goddesses and the deified heroes. Many temples in Hong Kong are related to events in the Chinese history. In the early days, the predominant forms of settlements in Hong Kong were fishing villages. Hence, sea-divinities like Tin Hau, Hung Shing, Pak Tai and Tam Kung are popular. Other deities like Hau Wong, Che Kung and Mo Tai are worshipped because of their contribution towards the community or state during their lifetime.
Many temples in Hong Kong are built over a hundred years ago. The temples themselves and the wealth of historical and cultural items kept in the temples are worthy of seeing them in more detail.
"Chinese temple" (華人廟宇) includes-
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all Miu (廟, temples), Tsz (寺, Buddhist monasteries), Kun and To Yuen (觀及道院, Taoist monasteries) and Om (庵, nunneries); and |
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every place where- |
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(i) |
in accordance with the religious principles governing Miu, Tsz, Kun, To Yuen or Om, worship of gods or communication with spirits or fortune-telling is practised or is intended to be practised; and where
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fees, payments or rewards of any kind whatsoever are charged to or are accepted from any member of the public for the purpose of worship or communication with spirits or fortune-telling or any similar purpose, or in return for joss candles or incense sticks, or on any other account whatsoever.
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| Chairman |
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| Secretary for Home Affairs |
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| Members |
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| Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals |
| Mr. CHAN Yuk-kit |
| Dr. TANG Lap-kwong |
| Dr. LO Wai-cheung, Anthony |
| Mr. TONG Wai-ki, BBS, MH |
| Ms. IP Shun-hing, MH, JP |
| Mr. MA Ching-yuk, BBS, JP |
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