On February 14th, the American California Hakka Association celebrated the “Tian Chuan Festival” at the Los Angeles Chinese Cultural and Educational Services Center, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Over a hundred overseas Chinese residents in Southern California gathered to celebrate this traditional festival that blends Eastern and Western cultures.
The president, Huang Yongju, introduced that the Tian Chuan Festival, also known as the “Day of Patching the Sky,” is a unique celebration of the Hakka people. It is said to commemorate Nuwa’s mending of the sky. On this day, Hakka people refrain from farming or weaving, and partake in “sticky foods” to express gratitude to Nuwa for saving humanity with the five-colored stones and to wish for favorable weather in the coming year.
The Live Oak Dance Society opened the event with performances of “We Are Hakka People” and “Welcoming the Spring Blossoms,” while the Ting Bamboo Qin Society presented traditional songs like “Rejuvenation of the Earth” and “Phoenix Dance Drum,” filling the venue with a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere.
Deputy Director Chen Lingxin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles shared that according to a 2021 survey, Taiwan’s Hakka population has reached 4.669 million, accounting for about 20% of the island’s total population. Since Taiwan implemented ethnic equality policies starting in 2000, it has gradually developed into the only country worldwide with comprehensive Hakka policies. Taiwan has actively promoted Hakka “internationalization” to attract international tourists to learn about Hakka culture.
Director Chung Peizhen of the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Center, who is a “100% Hakka,” introduced the Taiwan Hakka Affairs Council and proudly stated that anyone who identifies with Hakka culture can be considered Hakka. Due to this inclusive spirit, Hakka culture has been widely passed down, and Chung Peizhen takes pride in being Hakka, enjoying authentic Hakka cuisine in the United States.
Commissioner Jiang Ruiying introduced the traditional Hakka delicacy “Shui Ban,” a dessert that holds nostalgic memories for many Taiwanese, evoking a sense of homesickness among the attendees. Shui Ban comes in sweet and savory flavors, cooked and molded in a bowl, resembling a similar snack called “Wan Gao” in Southern Fujian.
The Tian Chuan Festival integrated traditional cuisine, cultural performances, and exciting lucky draws, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Hakka culture. Commissioner Luo Ming’s wife is a Hakka person from Vietnam, and he greatly admires the diligent and thrifty nature of Hakka women. He has actively supported the event, participating in the Tian Chuan Festival organized by the association for two consecutive years.
Huang Yongju expressed that the Tian Chuan Festival embodies the wisdom of the Hakka ancestors and aligns with the modern concept of coexisting with nature, allowing the land to rest and recuperate. It also resonates with the principles of sustainability and environmental conservation. Various kinds of “sticky foods” associated with the festival, such as Mugwort Cakes and Mochi, are renowned Hakka cuisine, offering the opportunity for all who appreciate Hakka culture to savor these delicacies.
On the day of the event, in addition to celebrating Tian Chuan Festival, the Hakka Association also celebrated the birthdays of individuals born in January, February, and March, singing birthday songs in different languages to showcase the inclusive and diverse nature of the Hakka people.