Activity Outcome
THCDC hosts 2024 Hakka Coming-of-Age Ceremony
- Source:客家文化發展中心
- Publication Date:2024/08/23
- Last updated:2024/08/23
- Count Views:100
The Taiwan Hakka Culture Development Center (THCDC) held the annual Hakka Coming-of-Age Ceremony on June 12, celebrating the graduation of elementary school students by having them perform traditional Hakka rituals. This year, 21 elementary schools, spanning ten townships, were invited to take part in the event. Miaoli County’s Shin Shing Elementary School (新興國小) of Toufen City, Taixing Elementary School (泰興國小) of Tai’an Township, and Dongshin Elementary School (東新國小) from Dongshi District (東勢區), Taichung City, participated in the ceremony for the first time.
This year marks the ninth annual coming-of-age ceremony hosted by the THCDC. The ceremony commenced with a tea-serving ritual, where students served tea to their teachers. Under the guidance of noted Hakka language teacher Hsu Huan-sheng (徐煥昇), the students simultaneously expressed their gratitude in Hakka during the ritual. Following this, the teachers put the scarf of wisdom on the students, tying a knot as a blessing. The students then collectively sang the graduation song "tai pu hiong qien hang (大步向前行)," symbolizing their courage to face future challenges.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of Deputy Magistrate Teng Kuei-chu (鄧桂菊) of Miaoli County, Hakka Affairs Council members Ku Jung-cheng (古榮政), Yeh Yun-jen (葉雲仁), and Hsu Chin-jung (徐進榮), President Li Wei-hsien (李偉賢) of National United University, and other distinguished guests.
In the final part of the ceremony, students carried loads filled with blessings from teachers and parents, using bamboo carrying poles. Additionally, the organizer arranged interactive games involving passing the loads to encourage student and teacher interactions across different schools. THCDC Director Ho Chin-liang emphasized that this year’s ceremony not only included new schools but also schools from Indigenous areas. He noted that this event aims to instill a sense of cultural promotion and innovation in the students, while also creating cherished memories through Hakka cultural activities.
To promote Hakka education, the THCDC has been organizing summer camps throughout the summer break. Visit the THCDC’s website for more information.
