Chinese tradition lives on

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

The ritual of Ching Ming in traditional costume at Manoa Chinese Cemetery today, something that would not have happened without the work of those concerned that the custom might fade away.

Members of the Chinese community and guests observed Ching Ming today as they gathered at the pagoda and the Tomb of the Seven Unknowns to watch the U.S. Air Force Color Guard proceed thru Manoa Chinese cemetery. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Harry Wong, left, one of three chairmen of today's Ching Ming ceremony, watched as Lawrence Siu poured a drink during a rehearsal last week for the traditional ritual. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Largely due to the dedication of the late George Young, who was president of Lin Yee Chung Association, the graveyard for years has been home to the annual ritual that Chinese families traditionally perform to honor their departed forebears.

Young once was the only one in costume, this year several people will wear the ma gua (men's robe) or qi pao (women's gown). Participants tried them on last week at Buk Toy, the Vineyard Boulevard Chinese club.

Danny Young, of United Chinese Society, smoothed out the garment, looking mildly amused.

"Since Cub Scouts, it's my first uniform!" he quipped.

George Young, who died in 2001, spent much of his energy restoring the cemetery and the practice of Ching Ming there each year. No Ching Ming celebration took place in Manoa the year after his death, but the celebration was brought back by supporters last April. This year, the event involves more people than ever, and George's brother, Jimmy, presides over a new organization conceived to carry on.

Last week's dress rehearsal was sponsored by an organization officially dubbed the Hawaii Chinese Qing Ming Celebration.

Harry Wong, who is coaching participants in the costumes and rites of the ceremony, set out the practice roast pig he drew and colored on white cardboard, as well as paper bowls and cups labeled to represent the other foods to be served: oranges, bao (steamed buns), rice, duck, shrimp, fish, kau yuk (steamed pork).

The foods are meant to represent the creatures and produce of earth, sea and sky, Wong said.

Wes Fong, another member, added that he's been asked by non-Chinese about the logic of serving fine food and drink — there's gin, as well as tea — to the dearly departed.

"People would ask, 'Why do you put out food? The ancestors can't eat or drink!' " Fong said. "I would say, 'Why do Americans put flowers? They can't smell, either.' "

Fong, past president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and chairman and president of Palolo Chinese Home, has family buried in Manoa. He most vividly remembers trips to the small Yee King Tong Cemetery, to visit the graves of his mother's relatives and others who originated from the same part of China.

It was his mother's side that was especially traditional.

"We would bow three times at the grave, and I would ask them, 'Why are we doing this? Am I not Christian?' " Fong said. "And they would tell me, 'It's not a religion; it's a respect for auntie and uncle and grandma.' "

In one departure from the old ways, one of the organizers of the 9:30 a.m. event is pressing everyone to adopt the standard Mandarin spelling, Qing Ming, in lieu of the familiar "Ching Ming." (Although the group refers to the latter spelling in publicity releases.)

"The world is moving along, and we have to move along, too," said Wong. "But we have both banners, with it spelled both ways." He grinned. "It's a slow transition."

However you spell it, Ching Ming is an observance rooted in Taoist religion, in which families gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate ancestors' gravesites and present them with offerings of incense and traditional foods. It's an occasion to show respect and eat together — the living and, symbolically, those visiting from the spirit world.

According to the sponsors of today's celebration, Taoists believe that the spirits of the ancestors are awakened by the smell and incense and descend to enjoy a feast with their family.

Ching Ming is observed each April 5 by Chinese communities everywhere, although for 2004 and other leap years, the official celebration generally takes place a day early.

However, participants at Manoa Chinese Cemetery scheduled their observance for today.

Organizers have planned a program of Chinese rituals with international touches. There will be the Royal Hawaiian Band, an Air Force color guard, bagpipe players, the release of pigeons and a 21-gun salute as well as the more conventional Chinese element of firecrackers.

Families perform rituals at individual gravesites, leaving the dishes of food there for the dead; the cemetery workers dispose of them later.

Today's showcased ritual will serve a portion of roast pig for the spirits, Fong said.

"We will leave some for the grave," he said, "but the rest ..."

He trailed off and opened his mouth in a mock gesture of carnivorous anticipation, then smiled.

"Chinese are very pragmatic people," he said.

Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.