Hongkongers learn how to ‘break the gates of hell’ for Hungry Ghost Festival

Forming a circle in front of a temple in Yuen Long, a group of Hongkongers make sweeping, dance-like movements before smashing ceramic tiles on the ground with wooden swords under the guidance of their coach.

They are learning to perform the solemn ritual of “breaking hell’s gate”, a traditional funeral practice that is typically performed by Taoist priests and long considered taboo by many.

Thursday’s workshop was part of a three-day “soul deliverance” ceremony at Tin Hau Temple in Yuen Long’s Tai Shu Ha to mark this year’s Hungry Ghost Festival.

The festival is celebrated during the seventh lunar month, with activities reaching their peak during the middle of the period, which falls on Saturday.

Organiser Bryan Kam Leung-tak told the Post that he hoped the event would help pass on the city’s unique local culture by educating the public about the festival’s true meaning.

“We hope to change their perception of traditional customs from fear, taboo and superstition to understanding, respect and appreciation,” said Kam, co-founder of RIPHK, a funeral service platform that also advocates for life and mortality education and the preservation of traditional culture.