Spark is the glow of incense burning and a symbol of preserving Hong Kong’s incense culture. Most traditional festivals originated from the ancients’ observations and understanding of nature. For centuries, incense has been central to rituals honouring heaven and earth. This sound map features six incense-related festival soundscapes: the Birthday of Tin Hau, the Birthday of Che Kung, the First Incense Offering during the Lunar New Year, the Yu Lan Festival, the Mid-Autumn Fire Dragon Dance and the Birthday of Kwan Tai. Each soundscape is linked to a corresponding wooden panel, illuminating a panel to hear its sound.
Through listening, we can perceive the uniqueness of Hong Kong’s festivals: vibrant drums and folk music, strong community bonds, active participation, and enduring traditions. Despite evolving challenges, a single spark can start a prairie fire. Like the deep roots of the incense tree, incense culture remains embedded in society, inspiring a sense of heritage and responsibility.
火光是香燃燒時迸發的光芒，也是香港香文化的希望。中國傳統節日大部分源自古人對自然的觀察和掌握，“焚香”這一行為千年來都與祭拜天地息息相關。這個聲音地圖由六個包含焚香活動的傳統節慶聲景構成：天后誕，車公誕，黃大仙搶頭炷香，盂蘭勝會，中秋舞火龍和關帝誕。每一個聲景均對應一塊木板，照亮即可聽到聲音。
通過聆聽，我們可以感知香港節慶的獨特性：帶有地域色彩的鑼鼓聲與民俗音樂，社區組織活動的獨立性，個人的高度參與度，以及傳統信仰的保護與延續。儘管舉辦節慶活動每年都面臨不同的挑戰，但星星之火可以燎原，香文化就如同沉香樹的根深植於社會之中，喚起我們對香港文化遺產的珍視與責任感。
CHENG YANG 