Every year, Hong Kong's tiny island of Cheung Chau holds a celebration honoring Pak Tai, the God of the Sea. Also known as the "Festival of the bun hills", the highlight of the three day festival includes parades, opera performances and children dressed in colorful costumes. But the most spectacular feature is the bun tower - large bamboo structures several stories high, piled with sweet buns. The buns, which have been blessed, are handed out to the people on the final day of the festival. Traditionally, men competed in a race to climb up the towers and grab as many buns as possible. The bun towers are located in front of the Pak Tai Temple, built in 1783 to commemorate the Pak Tai.
According to legend, the Pak Tai threw the prince of evil out of Heaven. Of greater importance to Cheung Chau's inhabitants, however, is his reputed role in driving away pirates who had launced a series of attacks on the island. According to local lore, the attacks ceased once the temple was built. This festival commemorates the islanders killed by pirates and whose spirits may still be wandering the island. As with the Hungry Ghost Festival (in August), islanders provide food and burnt paper offerings to placate these wandering souls. It is also designed as a way to pay tribute to Pak Tai. The festival falls just before the start of the fishing season, so honoring the god is one way to ensure fair weather and a good catch.
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