Tin Hau or T’ien Hou

This Hong Kong festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (late April/early May) is in homage to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sky, who is said to safeguard fishermen against storms and keep them from drowning. In southern coastal regions dominated by fishing communities there are numerous holy shrines constructed in her honour. The festival itself is also known as the Festival of Bun Hills in the south of China, after the spectacular bun towers that are created — large bamboo structures several storeys high heaped with special sweet buns that are reputed to bring good luck. People climb up the towers, picking up as many buns as they can possibly hold.