STREETS OF HONG KONG - FLOWER MARKET ROAD
It's approaching that time of year again, as on the eve of the Chinese or Lunar New Year. And, in this case, as it is celebrated in Hong Kong. This year, being 2022, is the Year of the Tiger. The Lunar New Year starts on February 1.
For most Chinese, buying fresh cut flowers for the home is one of the important "to do's" in preparing for the Lunar New Year. Fruit and fresh flowers in the home are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
One of the main locations in Hong Kong to buy fresh cut flowers is Flower Market Road in Prince Edward - a short walk from the Prince Edward MTR Station. It's here that one really gets a feeling for what it's like to celebrate the Lunar New Year in this part of world.
While bounding on mayhem, life is quite civil on this street as buyers jostle to make their purchases. Flowers, blooms, blossoms, buds, potted plants - each has a significant meaning. Pink will meaning something to someone, yellow or gold, something different to someone else. Pink cherry blossoms, white Tiger lilies, freesias of all colours, golden kumquats, white or mauve orchids all mean something special. And, all in the hope of bring in significant blessings in good health and good fortune.
While Flower Market Road is in business all year around, on the eve and in the week or so leading up to the Lunar New Year, this is when the road is at it's busiest. For the rest of the year, it's business as usual - this while the florist and garden centre shops lining Flower Market Road carry on their trades as wholesale and retail stores selling cut flowers and bouquets for special occasions, celebrations and decorative purposes.
Like I said, other than vising the temples over the Lunar New Year period, taking a stroll along Flower Market Road, one really gets the feeling for what it's like to celebrate the New Year in these parts - a bit like visiting a department store over the Christmas period elsewhere. Here, it's seems to be a little less crass and a lot more real - no "Jingle Bells" canned music and so forth.
At this time of year, Flower Marker Road is a street photographer's paradise. Here, there are no limits to capturing candid moments and unique cultural experiences - Enjoy...
