Tung blossoms are blooming vibrantly across Taiwan. Today (19th), the Hakka Affairs Council kicked off the 2024 Tung Blossom Festival with the "Bogong (Earth God) Blessing Ceremony" at the Bogong Temple near Liu's Residence in Gongguan Township, Miaoli County. Chairperson Yang Chang-Zhen led the ceremonial prayers, extending an invitation to all to immerse themselves in nature's splendor, take a respite from the hustle and bustle, and experience the charm of Hakka culture and forest ecology.
Chairperson Yang remarked that the Council has organized the Tung Blossom Festival for many years, always commencing with paying respects to Bogong. This tradition aims to help people understand the deep gratitude and reverence that Hakka descendants hold for their nurturing land. Reflecting on his own experience at Taiwan's inaugural Tung Blossom Festival near Beihe, Gongguan, 22 years ago, Chairperson Yang expressed astonishment at the overwhelming response from the Taiwanese people, showcasing their deep connection to the beauty of their homeland. He extended a special invitation to those working away to seize this opportunity and return home to witness the breathtaking tung blossoms, while warmly welcoming guests from across the island to explore Hakka villages.
Rooted in the Bogong belief, this festival embodies various messages through a series of activities, including promoting harmonious coexistence with nature through “praying for blossoms,” gaining insights from mountains and forests while “seeking blossoms,” immersing in cultural landscapes during “blossom gathering,” and bolstering local economies with “blossom gifts”. These activities, spanning different seasons and spaces, create a strong sense of identity with local culture. The Hakka Affairs Council will also host tung blossom experience events on April 27-28 at the Hakka Park in Tongluo, Miaoli, and on May 3-4 at the GREEN ARK in Sanyi, Miaoli. Residents and the public are warmly welcomed to join.
This year's festivities feature a diverse range of collaborative merchandise, including MUJI's Spring Journey travel packs, MANO MANO's limited-edition macarons, and LE BLE D'OR’s series meals and the Tung Blossom Festival Beer Gift Box. Furthermore, OR House offers curated cultural experiences, while Luluyelife showcases the aesthetics of outdoor life through its "forest picnic". B&Bs also provide themed guestrooms with Sleepy Tofu mattresses. The Council has also launched the Hakka Tour website, which features tung blossom information and forecasts, enabling people to track the best viewing periods and destinations. For more information, visit the Tung Blossom Festival Facebook page and the Hakka Tour website.
