Suizhou Holds Annual Emperor Yan Worship Ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- A worship ceremony for Emperor Yan, regarded as the pioneer of Chinese farming and medicine, was held in Suizhou City in central China's Hubei Province, the emperor’s hometown.

The ceremony, held on the 26th day of the fourth lunar month, which marks Emperor Yan's birthday, drew compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, representatives of overseas Chinese, and guests from all walks of life.

The event was co-hosted by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Association for Yan Huang Culture of China, and the People's Government of Hubei Province.

The ceremony followed the rituals of the Suizhou Shennong worship ceremony, a national intangible cultural heritage, and featured procedures including the sounding of drums and bells, the opening of the sacred gate, the lighting of the sacred flame, the presentation of flower baskets and the offering of incense.

The organising committee said in a statement that the beating of large ancient drums and the ringing of chime bells created a solemn and reverent atmosphere throughout the ceremony.

The local community has turned the annual worship ritual into a regular cultural inheritance initiative, with students from primary schools, secondary schools and universities in Suizhou forming ritual teams and presenting cultural performances.

Emperor Yan culture has also been incorporated into school education, community activities and the city's cultural identity, helping preserve the tradition for future generations.

A series of supporting events was held from April to June, including exchange activities that enabled compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities to experience Suizhou's culture.

-- BERNAMA